- Tennis player under scrutiny tests positive yet evades ban
Even though he tested positive for the banned steroid Clostebol twice in March, top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner managed to dodge a ban. According to the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), an autonomous tribunal declared Sinner not guilty last Thursday due to his lack of intentional use of the banished substance.
In a statement posted on social media, Sinner revealed that the steroid infiltrated his system courtesy of his physiotherapist. The therapist utilized an over-the-counter Clostebol spray, available in Italy, to manage a wound on Sinner's finger.
As per ITIA's declaration, the physiotherapist administered the spray between March 5 and 13, simultaneously providing a massage to Sinner, ultimately resulting in "unintended transdermal contamination." ITIA deemed Sinner's account reliable, therefore opting against imposing a provisional suspension. The ensuing investigation conducted by the agency did not alter the circumstances.
However, Sinner's situation remains far from clear-cut. The positive test results led to the revocation of his prize money and ranking points from the ATP tournament in Indian Wells. There, he had reached the semifinals.
As the tournament director for ATP commented, "This scenario was a demanding challenge for Jannik and his team, and it underscores the necessity for players and their surroundings to exhibit the highest degree of vigilance when employing products or treatments. Reputation assumes unparalleled importance in our sport."
Sinner secured victory at the Cincinnati Open only a few days prior. He stands as one of the top contenders for the forthcoming US Open in New York, set to commence next week.
I'm not sure if the physiotherapist intended to cause Sinner's positive test result, but they used an over-the-counter Clostebol spray. Despite the positive test results, Sinner expressed that he's not sure how the steroid ended up in his system.
