The top-ranked tennis player in the world's anti-doping system confronts an extended suspension
In March, tests for performance-enhancing substances on Jannik Sinner showed positive results, but he managed to avoid suspension. However, opposing this decision, the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) has moved to challenge it and is requesting a lengthy ban for the world's top-ranked tennis player. The final ruling will be made by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).
Following two positive doping tests, Italian tennis sensation Jannik Sinner was spared suspension with the responsible tennis agency (Itia) unable to prove any intentional wrongdoing or negligence on his part. Despite claiming success in multiple Grand Slam tournaments, Sinner avoided any suspension.
In response, Wada has argued that this decision is in violation of their rules. They are calling for a suspension of one to two years. It's worth noting that Wada isn't seeking to invalidate any additional results beyond those already nullified by the initial ruling. In early September, Sinner seized the US Open title.
The explanation from Sinner
In a post on his social media platforms, Sinner attempted to clear the air on the situation, attributing the substance's presence to his physiotherapist. He claimed that the physiotherapist used a Clostebol-infused spray – available over the counter in Italy – to treat a fingernail injury. Sinner and his physiotherapist eventually parted ways.
However, respected German doping expert Prof. Dr. Fritz Sörgel cast doubt on Sinner's explanation in August. In an interview with Sport1, Sörgel stated that though there are such sprays and salves available, they are not licensed in Germany. Sörgel challenged the notion of applying Clostebol ointment in large amounts to treat a minor injury, suggesting it was highly unlikely to enter Sinner's system in detectable quantities.
Italy's tennis agency (Itia), following examination by scientific experts, deemed Sinner's explanation credible. They therefore elected not to temporarily suspend Sinner earlier. The news of positive drug tests remained under wraps for several months before being made public shortly before the US Open, causing a stir within the tennis community.
Despite the positive doping tests, Sinner's victory at the US Open in September 2023 remained unchallenged, as the final ruling on his suspension was still pending at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas). With Wada advocating for a suspension of one to two years due to rule violations, the US Open title remained untainted in Sinner's record until the Cas decision was announced.
