Professional Tennis Player Jannik Sinner Returns Positive Steroid Test Twice With No Suspension

World-renowned tennis player Jannik Sinner, who currently holds the top ranking, faced two positive tests for a banned anabolic steroid in March. As a consequence, he was stripped of his prize money and points obtained at the Indian Wells tournament in California. However, an independent tribunal ruled that the violation was not intentional, and therefore, Sinner will not face any suspension.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency made the announcement on Tuesday, August 20th.

Despite the setback, Sinner managed to secure the Cincinnati Open title on Monday. As the U.S. Open approaches next week, he is expected to be one of the top contenders. Sinner’s rapid ascent in the ATP rankings placed him at the number one spot in June, alongside Carlos Alcaraz, solidifying his position as one of the prominent young stars in men’s tennis.

Sinner, an Italian player who recently celebrated his 23rd birthday, claimed his first Grand Slam title by winning the Australian Open in January. He further impressed by reaching the semifinals at the French Open in June and the quarterfinals at Wimbledon in July. Unfortunately, he had to skip the Paris Olympics due to tonsillitis.

The doping incident occurred during the Indian Wells hard-court event in March. Sinner’s test results revealed low levels of a metabolite of Clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid primarily used for ophthalmological and dermatological purposes. Notably, this is the same substance for which San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. received a suspension from Major League Baseball.

In a subsequent out-of-competition sample taken eight days later, Sinner once again tested positive.

Initially, Sinner faced a provisional suspension following these test results. However, he appealed the decision and was granted permission to continue participating in tennis competitions.

According to the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), Sinner explained that the positive test results were caused by a support team member’s use of an over-the-counter spray containing Clostebol while treating a minor wound. This team member also provided massages to Sinner.

The ITIA accepted Sinner’s explanation and concluded that the violation was not intentional.

An independent panel conducted a hearing on August 15th. Ultimately, it determined that there was no fault or negligence on Sinner’s part, resulting in no period of ineligibility, as stated by the ITIA.