Jannik Sinner avoids suspension despite testing positive for banned steroid twice

Jannik Sinner announced on his social media that he has been cleared of any wrongdoing after unintentionally taking a banned steroid twice.

Jannik Sinner avoids suspension despite testing positive for banned steroid twice

Jannik SInner (via Imago)

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Tuesday (August 20) that Jannik Sinner tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid, clostebol, twice in March this year. Because of this, he wasn’t awarded the points and was stripped of the prize money he earned during the Indian Wells Masters.

Sinner, who won the Cincinnati Open on Monday with a win over Frances Tiafoe, won’t be facing any suspension. The ITIA stated that an independent tribunal said that Sinner had not taken the banned substance intentionally.

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As per the ITIA, Sinner provided a sample for testing during the Indian Wells and clostebol was found in it but at low levels. The metabolite was found again in another sample following the Indian Wells.

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In his defense, Sinner told the ITIA how the banned substance accidentally entered his system. He explained that his physiotherapist gave him an over-the-counter spray that is easily available in Italy, without knowing that it contained the anabolic steroid.

The ITIA carried out a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the positive tests with which Mr Sinner and his representatives fully co-operated.  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. 
ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse stated (via the ITIA website)

At the Indian Wells, Sinner reached the semifinals where eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz defeated him in three sets. Following the Indian Wells, Sinner, who continued to play tennis without any interruption, won the Miami Open.

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Jannik Sinner will leave the unfortunate period behind to focus on upcoming tournaments

After ITIA’s announcement, Jannik Sinner also posted the same on his X account, confirming that he has been cleared of any wrongdoing by the independent tribunal. Sinner said he will move on from this period to focus on things that matter in his career. His next target is the US Open, starting August 26, which he will play as the top seed for the first time.

Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner (Image via X) 
I will now put this challenging and deeply unfortunate period behind me. I will continue to do everything I can to ensure I continue to comply with the ITIA's anti-doping programme.
Jannik Sinner said

Clostebol is on the list of the banned substances of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). It is often found in the ingredient list of products that are used to treat minor skin wounds.

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