Jannik Sinner cleared of wrongdoing after failing two anti-doping tests - 'Deeply unfortunate period behind me'
Published 20/08/2024 at 16:14 GMT+1
Jannik Sinner tested positive for a prohibited substance in two separate anti-doping tests, but an independent tribunal has cleared him of any wrongdoing, after it was determined that the world No. 1 had been contaminated by his physiotherapist during massage therapy. Sinner says he now plans to put the "deeply unfortunate period" behind him.
Jannik Sinner
Image credit: Getty Images
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has been cleared of wrongdoing after failing two anti-doping tests due to being contaminated by his physiotherapist.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has confirmed that an independent tribunal has found the Italian to bear “no fault or negligence” for the violations after he twice tested positive for clostebol.
Clostebol is a type of performance-enhancing steroid which is prohibited under Section S1 of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.
Sinner provided a sample at Indian Wells in March which contained low levels of clostebol, while a further sample eight days later also contained the substance.
Neither of Sinner’s positive tests had previously been published by the ITIA, which has confirmed provisional suspensions were applied in line with World Anti-Doping Code policy.
The Italian successfully appealed the suspensions which enabled him to continue playing. A statement from the ITIA explained how the issue came about.
It read: “The player explained that the substance had entered their system as a result of contamination from a support team member, who had been applying an over-the-counter spray (available in Italy) containing clostebol to their own skin to treat a small wound.Â
“That support team member applied the spray between 5 and 13 March, during which time they also provided daily massages and sports therapy to Sinner, resulting in unknowing transdermal contamination.  Â
“Following consultation with scientific experts, who concluded that the player’s explanation was credible, the ITIA did not oppose the player’s appeals to lift the provisional suspensions.  Â
“A thorough investigation by the ITIA followed, including multiple in-depth interviews with Sinner and their support team, all of whom co-operated fully with the process.  
“Following that investigation, and in line with the independent scientific advice, the ITIA accepted the player’s explanation as to the source of clostebol found in their sample and that the violation was not intentional.“
Sinner has acknowledged the importance of strict anti-doping rules and is happy the issue has been resolved.
“I will now put this challenging and deeply unfortunate period behind me,“ he said in a statement.
“I will continue to do everything I can to ensure I continue to comply with the ITIA’s anti-doping programme and I have a team around me that are meticulous in their own compliance.“
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