Jannik Sinner Cleared by Tribunal After Failed Drug Tests

World men's number one Jannik Sinner was cleared of any wrongdoing by an independent tribunal after failing two drug tests in March. The tribunal accepted that the anabolic agent clostebol entered his system from a support team member. Despite provisional suspensions, Sinner successfully appealed and continued playing.

World men's number one tennis player Jannik Sinner has been exonerated by an independent tribunal after failing two drug tests in March, the International Tennis Integrity Authority (ITIA) confirmed on Tuesday.

The tribunal accepted Sinner's explanation that the banned substance clostebol entered his system inadvertently through massages and sports therapy administered by a member of his support staff. The ITIA noted that the team member had used an over-the-counter spray containing clostebol on their own skin.

Despite initial provisional suspensions following each positive test, Sinner successfully appealed and was allowed to continue competing. The World Anti-Doping Code and Tennis Anti-Doping Programme mandate that his results, prize money, and ranking points from the ATP Masters 1000 event at Indian Wells be annulled.

Both the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Italian Anti-Doping Agency expressed intentions to scrutinize the decision and possibly appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Sinner, who recently won the Cincinnati Open, expressed relief at being cleared, emphasizing his full cooperation during the ITIA's investigation. The ATP showed support for the ruling, highlighting the importance of integrity in tennis.

However, Australian player Nick Kyrgios criticized the decision on social media, arguing that any player testing positive for a banned substance should face a two-year ban.

Jannik Sinner now prepares for the upcoming U.S. Open, beginning on August 26.

(With inputs from agencies.)