Top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner will not face suspension following two positive drug tests for a prohibited substance.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) declared on Tuesday that Sinner did not hold any blame or negligence despite testing positive for Clostebol, an anabolic steroid, at minimal concentrations from a sample collected on March 10 at Indian Wells. A subsequent sample collected eight days later also showed positive results at minimal levels.
In a post on social media, Sinner explained that the positive tests were due to "unintentional contamination of Clostebol" from his physiotherapist's treatment. The physiotherapist had been using an over-the-counter spray to cure a small wound on their own skin, not on Sinner.
"His fitness trainer bought a product, easily available over the counter in any Italian pharmacy, which he gave to Jannik’s physiotherapist to attend to a cut on the physiotherapist’s finger," Sinner's statement explained.
"Jannik was unaware of this, and his physiotherapist was not aware that they were using a product containing Clostebol. ... The physiotherapist treated Jannik without gloves and coupled with various skin lesions on Jannik’s body caused the unintentional contamination."
Usually, following a positive test, a player is given an immediate provisional suspension, but they have the option to appeal to an independent tribunal chair appointed by Sport Resolutions to lift the provisional suspension, according to the ITIA.
In both instances, Sinner successfully appealed the provisional suspension, allowing him to continue playing.
The ITIA determined that scientific experts found Sinner's explanation credible and chose not to oppose his appeals to lift the provisional bans. The case was then referred to an independent tribunal, with a hearing taking place on August 15. The tribunal concluded a finding of no fault or negligence, resulting in Sinner avoiding any suspension.
"I will now put this trying and unfortunate situation behind me," Sinner stated on his social media accounts. "I will keep doing everything in my power to ensure I comply with the ITIA’s anti-doping program and have a team around me that is meticulous in their compliance."
In line with the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC) and Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP), Sinner's results, prize money, and ranking points from Indian Wells were nullified. Sinner, who reached the semifinals at the California tournament, lost $325,000 and 400 ranking points.
On Tuesday, the ATP expressed its satisfaction that no fault or negligence was found in Jannik Sinner's case.
"We are heartened that no fault or negligence has been established in relation to Jannik Sinner," the ATP said in its statement.
"We would also like to acknowledge the strength of the investigation process and independent evaluation of the facts under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP), which has allowed him to continue competing," the statement added.
"This has been a challenging situation for Jannik and his team, and underscores the importance for players and their entourages to exercise extreme caution when using products or treatments. Integrity is fundamental in our sport."
Sinner has won five titles this season, more than any other player on the ATP Tour. He claimed his first grand slam title at the Australian Open in January. His ranking rose to world No. 1 in June, and he will serve as the top seed at the US Open, the final major event of the season. US Open main draw play begins on Monday.
On Monday, Sinner defeated Frances Tiafoe 7-6(4) 6-2 to win the Cincinnati title for the first time in his career.
Despite his positive tests for Clostebol, Sinner's tennis career was not affected significantly, as he continued to excel in the sport. His positive tests were due to an accidental contamination from an over-the-counter product used by his physiotherapist to treat a minor wound.
