Jannik Sinner faces steroid positives but escapes suspension
Jannik Sinner, currently ranked as the world’s top tennis player, tested positive for a prohibited anabolic steroid two times in March, yet he will not face any suspension.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency revealed this decision on Tuesday, stating that an independent panel reviewed the case on August 15 and found “No Fault or Negligence” in Sinner’s situation.
Sinner lost the prize money and ranking points he had gained at the Indian Wells tournament after his positive test during the BNP Paribas Open on March 10. Additionally, an out-of-competition test conducted on March 18 also discovered a metabolite of Clostebol, an anabolic steroid banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
In 2022, MLB player Fernando Tatis Jr. received an 80-game suspension after testing positive for the same substance, Clostebol.
“I am now ready to move on from this challenging period,” Sinner stated on his social media. “I will keep doing everything possible to comply with the ITIA’s anti-doping regulations, and I have a diligent team ensuring our compliance.”
Initially provisionally suspended following the positive results, Sinner was allowed to continue competing after successfully appealing the decision.
The ITIA explained that Sinner’s positive tests resulted from a member of his support team using an over-the-counter spray with Clostebol to treat a wound, and this same team member later administered massages to Sinner.
“Consultation with scientific experts concluded that the player’s explanation was credible,” the ITIA noted.