NEW YORK CITY, New York (NV) – World No. 1 Jannik Sinner spent much of his time on the US Open media Friday, August 23, answering questions about avoiding a ban, despite testing positive for a banned substance twice in March, according to CNN Sports.
On Tuesday, August 20, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) declared that Sinner was “without fault or negligence” despite testing positive for low levels of Clostebol, an anabolic steroid, from a sample collected on March 10 at the Indian Wells tennis tournament. Another sample collected eight days later also tested positive at a low level.
“It’s not ideal before a big match. But deep down I know I did nothing wrong,” said the 23-year-old. “I will always respect these anti-doping rules.”
In a statement posted on social media on Tuesday, Sinner said the positive test results stemmed from “accidental exposure to Clostebol” through treatment by his physical therapist.
The 2024 Australian Open champion also said his doctor applied an over-the-counter spray to his skin (not Sinner’s) to treat a minor wound.
On Friday, Sinner said he had parted ways with physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi and fitness coach Umberto Ferrara over the affair.
“We’ve been together for two years. We’ve done an incredible job, had a lot of success, and then I have a great team behind me,” he said. “Now, because of these mistakes, I don’t feel confident to continue with them. The only thing I need right now is (some) fresh air.”
Sinner said he had no control over how the situation would affect his reputation.
“Anyone who knows me well knows that I have never done anything and I would never do anything that is against the rules,” he said.
Mr Sinner is ranked No. 1 male player at the US Open and will play 29-year-old American Mackenzie McDonald in the first round next week. (KV) [qd]