Men’s tennis world No1 Jannik Sinner has been cleared of any fault or negligence and will not serve a suspension after twice testing positive for a banned substance earlier this year.
Sinner failed two anti-doping tests back in March, just weeks after winning his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in Melbourne. Both were positive for trace amounts of clostebol, a synthetic anabolic–androgenic steroid that is derived from testosterone and can aid muscle growth.
The Italian was handed an automatic provisional suspension as a result, but has not missed any time on court after being successful with his appeal.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed on Tuesday that they had accepted Sinner's explanation that the substance had accidentally entered his system via a product one of his team had used to treat a small wound.
Karen Moorhouse, ITIA CEO, said: "We take any positive test extremely seriously and will always apply the rigorous processes set out by WADA (the World Anti-Doping Agency).
"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. This was also accepted by the tribunal."
Wimbledon quarter-finalist Sinner, who warmed up for the US Open next week by winning the Cincinnati Open title on Monday having missed the recent Olympic Games in Paris with tonsillitis, first tested positive on March 10 while competing in Indian Wells.
He was red-flagged again in an out-of-competition test eight days later, with both samples yielding trace amounts of clostebol, but he was able to continue playing on the ATP Tour after successfully challenging a provisional suspension.
Scientific experts consulted by the ITIA concluded that Sinner's account - in which his physiotherapist had used an over-the-counter spray containing clostebol on his skin between March 5 to 13 - was credible.
Sinner said in a statement: "I will now put this challenging and deeply unfortunate period behind me.
"I will continue to do everything I can to ensure I comply with the ITIA's anti-doping programme and I have a team around me that are meticulous in their own compliance.”
The ATP said: “We are encouraged that no fault or negligence has been found on Jannik Sinner’s part.
“We would also like to acknowledge the robustness of the investigation process and independent evaluation of the facts under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP), which has allowed him to continue competing.
“This has been a challenging matter for Jannik and his team, and underscores the need for players and their entourages to take utmost care in the use of products or treatments. Integrity is paramount in our sport.”
