Tennis world number one Jannik Sinner has been officially cleared of any wrongdoing after the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) ruled in his favor on Tuesday.
Earlier in the season, Sinner tested positive for a banned substance, clostebol, during the Indian Wells Masters in March 2024. The ITIA found low levels of a clostebol metabolite in both an in-competition sample and a subsequent out-of-competition sample taken eight days later.
Despite the positive tests, the ITIA concluded that Sinner bore no fault or negligence. The Italian star explained that the substance entered his system due to contamination from a support team member who used an over-the-counter spray containing clostebol to treat a minor wound.
As a result, while Sinner has been cleared of any wrongdoing, he will lose his results, prize money, and the 400 ranking points earned at Indian Wells, in accordance with anti-doping regulations.
\"I will now put this challenging and deeply unfortunate period behind me,\" said Sinner. \"I will continue to do everything I can to ensure I comply with the ITIA's anti-doping programme and have a meticulous team supporting me.\"
However, the news has sparked skepticism among fellow players. Australian star Nick Kyrgios expressed his doubts on social media, calling the situation \"ridiculous,\" while Canadian Denis Shapovalov empathized with other players who have faced similar bans due to contaminated substances.
ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse emphasized the integrity of the investigation, stating that the presence of clostebol was unintentional. The ATP also supported Sinner, highlighting the robustness of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP) and the importance of integrity in the sport.
This incident underscores the critical need for players and their teams to exercise caution with the products and treatments they use to avoid accidental contamination.
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Sinner cleared of wrongdoing after failing anti-doping tests
cgtn.com
