Why world No 1 Jannik Sinner could still be banned despite being cleared of responsibility for testing positive for banned substance clostebol
- Jannik Sinner tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol in March
- A court found that there was ‘no fault or negligence’ on Sinner’s behalf
- But that ruling has now been appealed by the World Anti-Doping Agency to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Jannik Sinner remains at risk of being banned from tennis after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) decided to appeal an independent ruling that cleared the world number 1 of responsibility for testing positive for a banned substance.
Sinner first tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol at Indian Wells on March 10, and again eight days later.
He was provisionally suspended, but both times he successfully appealed and was allowed to continue playing while the evidence was assessed.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency took the case to an independent tribunal in August, when Sinner’s explanation for why there was an extremely small amount of clostebol in his system – less than a billionth of a gram – was accepted.
Sinner managed to convince the tribunal that his two positive tests were the result of contamination.
Jannik Sinner in action against Jiri Lehecka on Monday at the China Open in Beijing
What was Sinner’s explanation for his positive tests?
Sinner’s explanation was that fitness coach Umberto Ferrara purchased an over-the-counter spray containing clostebol in Italy a month before traveling to Indian Wells. During the Indian Wells event, physio Giacomo Naldi cut his finger and was advised by Ferrara to use the spray to treat the wound.
According to a statement from the Sinner team: ‘The physiotherapist treated Jannik and his lack of care combined with several open wounds on Jannik’s body caused the contamination.’
The tribunal heard that Sinner suffers from a skin condition psoriasiform dermatitis, which can cause irritation and, if scratched, cuts and sores. This was accepted as the reason why the clostebol entered his body through the physiotherapist’s finger.
Sinner has since fired both Ferrara and Naldi from his team.
Physio Giacomo Naldi (left) and fitness coach Umberto Ferrara (right) pictured with Sinner (center) after the tennis star won the 2024 Australian Open in January
Why did WADA appeal?
On September 26, the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the ruling finding ‘no fault or negligence’ on Sinner’s behalf.
WADA states that the ruling is not in line with the applicable rules.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency has recognized WADA’s right to refer the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The 23-year-old Sinner also won the US Open in New York this year after beating Taylor Fritz in the final
When will Sinner discover his fate?
No date has been set for when Sinner’s case will be heard by CAS, as matters currently stand.
The hearing may not take place until next year.
Sinner remains eligible to play in all tournaments, but that could change if CAS decides to rescind the previous ruling.
WADA has suggested that it would like to see Sinner ineligible for a period of one to two years.
However, WADA does not want Sinner to be disqualified from events in which he has already participated. For example, they do not want him to be stripped of the US Open singles title he won in New York on September 8.