In a surprising turn of events, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has announced that world number one tennis player Jannik Sinner has been cleared of any fault or negligence in two Anti-Doping Rule Violations. The Italian player had tested positive for the prohibited substance clostebol in March 2024.
Contamination from Support Team Member
Sinner's positive tests, both occurring in March, initially resulted in provisional suspensions. However, he successfully appealed these suspensions and continued to compete. Sinner explained that the substance entered his system through contamination from a support team member who had been using an over-the-counter spray containing clostebol to treat a wound. The ITIA, after consulting with experts, accepted this explanation.
ITIA Investigation and Tribunal Ruling
A thorough investigation followed, involving interviews with Sinner and his team. The ITIA concluded that the violation was unintentional and referred the case to an independent tribunal. The tribunal, after a hearing, ruled in favor of Sinner, finding no fault or negligence on his part.
Disqualification from Indian Wells
Despite this positive outcome, Sinner's results, prize money, and ranking points from the Indian Wells tournament, where he tested positive, have been disqualified.
ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse stated, "We take any positive test extremely seriously... The ITIA carried out a thorough investigation... Following that investigation, the ITIA accepted the player's explanation as to the source of the clostebol and that the presence of the substance was not intentional."
WADA Appeal and Potential US Open Impact
This decision is subject to appeal by WADA and the Italian Anti-Doping Agency. Should WADA choose to appeal and overturn the tribunal's decision, Sinner could face further sanctions, potentially including disqualification from the current 2024 US Open. The ITIA will not be appealing this decision.
