- The Sinner situation and numerous queries that arise.
"The 'Gazzetta dello Sport' lays it all out there." "A headline-grabbing news story that rocked the globe like an erupting volcano," the Italian newspaper wrote about tennis ace Jannik Sinner, who is caught up in doping allegations. And true to form, the situation surrounding the world number one has sent shockwaves through the billion-dollar sport of tennis.
Despite everyone involved swiftly asserting Sinner's innocence and providing evidence to back it up, the fact that the world number one has returned two positive doping tests is a big blow for the sport.
With tennis in a phase of change, Roger Federer has retired, Rafael Nadal is nearing the end of his career, and even Novak Djokovic may not be a regular sight on the court once he achieves his last major ambition with an Olympic gold medal.
Sinner and Alcaraz on the rise
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz - this young, incredibly talented, popular, and much-loved duo was poised to lead the next generation on the ATP Tour. The transition seemed smooth, the tennis boom unstoppable. Sinner's victory in Melbourne in January, following Italy's Davis Cup triumph just a few weeks prior - everything seemed to fit like a glove for the tennis bigwigs.
However, one of the two faces of the new tennis era being implicated in doping is, indeed, a major "volcanic eruption" for the tennis world. Even if Sinner avoids a suspension, it's a significant setback. Because, despite testing positive for the banned anabolic steroid Clostebol twice in March, Sinner will still compete in the US Open, which begins this Monday.
Sinner's defence
As per the responsible Italian tennis organization Itia, Sinner was exonerated by an independent court earlier last week because he unintentionally consumed the banned substance. In a statement posted on social media, Sinner shared that the substance entered his system through his physiotherapist's hands. The physiotherapist, it seems, used a Clostebol-infused spray, legally available over the counter in Italy, to treat a cut on his own finger. He then massaged Sinner, leading to an "unintended transdermal contamination." The Itia found Sinner's explanation to be plausible and decided against provisionally suspending him. However, Sinner must relinquish the prize money and ranking points earned from reaching the semifinals at the ATP tournament in Indian Wells.
Criticism from doping expert
Doping expert Fritz Sörgel, however, has offered sharp criticism for the "lenient" punishment. "If someone tests positive for Clostebol, they are immediately suspended," Sörgel told the portal "Sport1." He questioned the rationale behind a court exonerating Sinner. "This reeks of impropriety," Sörgel insisted. "Clostebol automatically triggers a two- to four-year ban. There's no way around it," he added. Now, WADA must intervene.
WADA has confirmed that it will "carefully review" the decision, with the possibility of appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, if necessary.
Until now, Sinner's colleagues have remained largely silent on the sensitive issue. However, they might express their views during the media day on Friday at the US Open in New York.
Frantic media day in New York
During this meeting, Sinner will surely face tough questions. According to his trainer Darren Cahill, the case and the uncertainty have "drained" Sinner physically and mentally, causing him to miss the Olympic Games, Cahill said on ESPN. "We're not seeking trouble. We're just happy there's no ban. At least, for now."
Despite the exoneration by the Italian tennis organization and Sinner's explanation, the doping scandal surrounding him has led to criticism from doping expert Fritz Sörgel, who believes the punishment was too lenient.
Other tennis players might express their views during the media day on Friday at the US Open, adding to the ongoing discussion around Sinner's doping allegations.
