Jannik Sinner managed to avoid a suspension after testing positive for a banned substance last March. The incident occurred following his victory at the Indian Wells tournament, leading to the loss of his title and the requirement to return the prize money he had earned.
The substance in question is a prohibited anabolic steroid, which, according to the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), entered Sinner’s system without his knowledge or fault.
The report, released on Tuesday, August 20th, cleared the world number 1, stating that the substance was transmitted to Sinner’s body through contact with his physiotherapist’s spray, used for a hand injury, during a massage session without gloves.
The 23-year-old, who missed the Paris Olympics due to tonsillitis, went on to win the Cincinnati Masters 1000 tournament and is considered one of the favorites for the upcoming US Open.
Earlier this year, Sinner claimed his first Grand Slam title at the 2024 Australian Open.
“We are encouraged by the finding that there was no fault or negligence on Jannik Sinner’s part. We also appreciate the thoroughness of the investigation and the independent assessment of the facts under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP), which allowed him to continue competing. This was a challenging issue for Jannik and his team, highlighting the need for players and their support staff to exercise extreme caution when using products or treatments. Integrity is paramount in our sport,” stated the ATP’s official announcement.
