World No. 1 Jannik Sinner Cleared in Doping Probe

World number one Jannik Sinner has been cleared of any wrongdoing after testing positive twice for a banned substance in March. The Italian tested positive for low levels of a clostebol metabolite, a steroid that can enhance muscle mass during Indian Wells. A subsequent sample also showed traces of the substance leading to an automatic provisional suspension.

However, Sinner successfully challenged the suspension, allowing him to continue playing. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) investigated and determined that the contamination was accidental, caused by Sinner’s physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi. Naldi had used an over-the-counter spray from Italy on a cut on his own hand and then treated Sinner without washing his hands, inadvertently transferring the banned substance.

The ITIA accepted that Sinner was unaware of the contamination and found no intent to violate anti-doping rules. An independent tribunal cleared Sinner of any fault or negligence, though he will lose his ranking points and prize money from his semi-final run at Indian Wells. Sinner expressed relief and determination to move forward, emphasizing his commitment to complying with anti-doping regulations.

He stated that he and his team are meticulous about adherence to these rules. The ITIA noted that the levels of clostebol in Sinner’s system were extremely low, amounting to “less than a billionth of a gram.” Experts concluded that the substance would not have provided any performance-enhancing effects. While the ruling cleared Sinner of intentional wrongdoing, it still resulted in the loss of 400 ranking points and $325,000 in prize money.

The case remains subject to any potential appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). World No. 1 Jannik Sinner also the top seed at the upcoming US Open will now focus on putting this challenging period behind him.