A banned substance was discovered in the body of the world number one in March. Thanks to a strange-sounding explanation, Sinner got off lightly.
Although tennis world number one Jannik Sinner tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol twice in March, the 23-year-old has avoided a ban. According to the responsible tennis agency Itia, Sinner was acquitted by an independent court last Thursday because this year’s Australian Open champion from Italy did not intentionally use the banned substance.
Sinner explained in a statement posted on social media that the substance entered his body via the hands of his physiotherapist. According to the statement, the therapist used a spray containing clostebol, which is available over the counter in Italy, to treat a cut on his finger.
According to the Itia statement, the physiotherapist in question is said to have used the spray between March 5 and 13. During this time, he also massaged Sinner, which “led to unwitting transdermal contamination.” According to the Itia, scientific experts found Sinner’s explanation to be credible. This is why the tennis agency refrained from suspending Sinner, at least for the time being. After a further investigation by the agency, nothing changed in the matter.
However, the tennis star does not get off completely unpunished. Due to the positive results, he was stripped of his prize money and points for the ATP tournament in Indian Wells, where he reached the semifinals in March and the positive test result was discovered.
“This was a difficult matter for Jannik and his team and underlines the need for players and those around them to exercise extreme caution when using any product or treatment. Integrity is key in our sport,” commented the ATP players’ association.
Sinner won the Cincinnati Open just on Monday. He is one of the favorites at the US Open in New York, which begins next week.
Source: Stern
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