- The world’s No. 1 tennis player, Jannik Sinner, has accepted a three-month ban after testing positive for Clostebol in two doping tests nearly a year ago. The ban will last from Feb. 9 to May 4.
- Sinner explained that the positive tests were due to inadvertent contamination from an over-the-counter spray used by one of his physical therapists.
- Sinner, who recently defended his Australian Open title, plans to continue training for upcoming Grand Slam tournaments, including the French Open starting on May 25.
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The world number one tennis player has accepted a three-month ban in a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency on Saturday, Feb. 15. The settlement comes after Jannik Sinner tested positive in two doping tests nearly a year ago.
The World Anti-Doping Agency announced Sinner won’t be able to play from Feb. 9 to May 4. He tested positive two different times for Clostebol, an anabolic steroid, in March 2024.
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Sinner said the positive tests came after “inadvertent contamination of Clostebol.” He said one of his team’s physical therapists had been applying over-the-counter spray to their skin, not Sinner’s, to treat a small wound.
WADA accepted Sinner’s explanation, however, it did say that the athlete is responsible for their entourage’s action.
“Under the Code and by virtue of CAS precedent, an athlete bears responsibility for the entourage’s negligence. Based on the unique set of facts of this case, a three-month suspension is deemed to be an appropriate outcome,” WADA said in a statement.
This led the agency to select the three-month ban.
Sinner accepted responsibility for what happened and said he knows that the rules are there for a good reason.
“I have always accepted that I am responsible for my team and realize WADA’s strict rules are an important protection for the sport I love. On that basis I have accepted WADA’s offer to resolve these proceedings on the basis of a 3-month sanction,” Sinner told CNN.
What’s next for Sinner?
Sinner just defended the Australian Open title in late January. Since his ban comes during a slower period for tennis, he is expected to continue training for Grand Slams and the French Open. The French Open starts on May 25 and goes until June 8.
