Tennis world No1 Jannik Sinner tested positive for banned anabolic steroid clostebol back in March. The case went to a tribunal and it found there had been “no fault or negligence” on Sinner’s behalf. However, that verdict is now the subject of appeal an appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Despite achieving much success this year, winning two majors, it has been a tumultuous few months for the highest ranked tennis player in the world.
Sinner is not out of the woods yet and remains at risk of receiving a ban from tennis after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) took it upon themselves to launch an appeal against an independent ruling that cleared the Italian of responsibility for the positive drugs test.
It was during the Indian Wells tournament on March 10 that Sinner initially tested positive for the banned steroid, then he tested positive again eight days later.
Sinner was provisionally suspended but he but was allowed to continue playing as the evidence was assessed. This caused quite a stir on the tour, as some fellow players weren’t happy what that decision. The International Tennis Integrity Agency took the case to an independent tribunal in August where Sinner’s explanation for what had happened was accepted.
What has Sinner said about failed tests?
Sinner and his team have always claimed innocence. Sinner claims that around a month before he travelled to Indian Wells his fitness coach, Umberto Ferrara, bought a spray in a shop containing clostebol in Italy. Then while playing in the Indian Wells event, Sinner’s physio cut his finger and Ferrara advised him to use the spray to treat it.
The tribunal heard evidence that Sinner suffers from skin conditions that causes sores and cuts if it goes untreated. This evidence was accepted as the reason that the clostebol entered his body. Both the physio and Ferrara have seen been dismissed by Sinner.
When will WADA case be decided?
There is currently no timeline given for Sinner’s case to be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). It is looking likely now that the case will not be heard until next year.
There are no restrictions on Sinner in terms of participating in any matches or events, but that could change at anytime if CAS decides to overrule the previous ruling.
It remains to be seen if this wait will affect Sinner’s form. There has been no suggestion that he will be stripped of his US Open title which was won in September but there has no doubt that some feel his victories and current status has been tarnished somewhat by this ongoing saga.
Rightly or wrongly, as soon as a casual fan hears failed drugs tests the implication is cheating. Sinner is a fantastic player and we all just want to see the best take on the best without background noise. Let’s hope this matter is resolved as quickly as possible and we can get on with watching these athletes battle it out on court.
