Jannik Sinner Clears Doping Allegations Amid Controversy

World number one tennis player Jannik Sinner has dismissed his trainer and physiotherapist after testing positive for steroids. Despite failing two drug tests, he was cleared of any wrongdoing, attributing the results to contamination from his team. The incident has sparked debates about fairness in handling doping cases.

Top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner has terminated his association with his trainer and physiotherapist following a series of controversial drug tests. The Italian athlete tested positive for the steroid clostebol after his physio, Giacomo Naldi, used a spray on himself before treating Sinner. The spray was given to Naldi by trainer Umberto Ferrara.

A tribunal last week cleared Sinner of any fault, accepting that he was inadvertently contaminated. This verdict came even as Sinner clinched his fifth title of the year at the Cincinnati Open. "They (Naldi and Ferrara) have contributed greatly to my career," said Sinner at a U.S. Open news conference. "However, due to these errors, I struggle to continue with them."

The case has sparked controversy, especially as other athletes in similar situations face suspension. Sinner has maintained his innocence, explaining that quick action by his team helped identify the contamination source. Critics argue he benefited from double standards since he was not suspended during the investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)