The number 1 ranked ATP player, Jannik Sinner, has been all over the news recently after he failed a drug test twice for an anabolic steroid in March.
Sinner tested positive for low levels of a metabolite of clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid, at the Indian Wells hard-court event in March and tested positive for the drug again eight days later, resulting in his provisional suspension. According to reports by ITIA, Sinner claimed that his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, used a spray containing clostebol and then massaged him without gloves to treat a minor finger injury, which resulted in clostebol getting transferred to the 23-year-old’s body.
“Sinner’s results, prize money, and ranking points from the ATP Masters 1000 event at Indian Wells, where the player tested positive in competition for clostebol, are disqualified”, ITIA said.
Sinner further pleaded his innocence saying that he and his physiotherapist had no idea that the spray he applied to his wound contained clostebol.
Why did Jannik Sinner Escape a Ban?
As per ITIA rules, Sinner was allowed to appeal for his suspension following the events in March. In the appeal, Sinner claimed his innocence, labeling the incident as ‘purely accidental’. The 23-year-old’s appeal was successful as ITIA revoked his provisional suspensions. Later the Sport Resolutions (which oversee the doping cases) stated “no fault or negligence” for two of Sinner’s cases, further proving his innocence.
“We are encouraged that no fault or negligence has been found on Jannik Sinner’s part,” the ATP said in a statement. “We would also like to acknowledge the robustness of the investigation process and independent evaluation of the facts under the Tennis Anti-Doping Program (TADP), which has allowed him to continue competing.
“This has been a challenging matter for Jannik and his team, and underscores the need for players and their entourages to take utmost care in the use of products or treatments. Integrity is paramount in our sport,” they added.
ATP STATEMENT ON JANNIK SINNER
‘We are encouraged that no fault or negligence has been found on Jannik Sinner’s part. We would also like to acknowledge the robustness of the investigation process and independent evaluation of the facts under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme…
— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 20, 2024
The decision came as a huge relief for Sinner who vowed to put this challenging time behind him and ensured to comply with ITIA’s anti-doping programme.
“I will now put this challenging and deeply unfortunate period behind me. I will continue to do everything I can to ensure I continue to comply with the ITIA’s anti-doping program and I have a team around me that are meticulous in their own compliance.” Sinner wrote on Instagram.
The Italian will now turn his attention to Flushing Meadows and will be hopeful to win his second Grand Slam title after the Australian Open 2024 triumph.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
