By World No. 1 tennis player Jannik Sinner, who recently triumphed at the Cincinnati Open, has been cleared of any fault or negligence following a doping investigation. The 23-year-old Italian first tested positive for trace amounts of the banned substance clostebol at Indian Wells in March, but the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has determined that the contamination was accidental, caused by a product used by his physiotherapist.
Sinner’s coach, Darren Cahill, revealed that the investigation took a significant toll on the player, both mentally and physically, leading to his decision to withdraw from the Paris Olympics. Although Sinner cited tonsillitis as the reason for missing the Games, Cahill suggested that the stress from the doping probe played a major role in wearing down the young star.
Despite the turmoil, Sinner managed to continue performing at a high level, winning tournaments in Halle and Cincinnati. However, those close to him noticed a change in his demeanor on the court. “He’s struggled, and I think it’s worn him down physically and mentally,” Cahill told ESPN.
Sinner’s doping violation was first flagged on March 10 at Indian Wells, followed by a second positive result from an out-of-competition test eight days later. The ITIA accepted Sinner’s explanation that the banned substance had entered his system through an over-the-counter spray used by his physiotherapist.
The investigation led to Sinner being stripped of the prize money and ranking points he earned at Indian Wells, where he reached the semifinals. Despite some backlash from fellow players, including Nick Kyrgios, who criticized the decision to avoid a suspension, Sinner is determined to move past this challenging period.
In a statement, Sinner expressed his commitment to complying with the ITIA’s anti-doping program, emphasizing that his team is meticulous in ensuring adherence to all regulations. With the investigation now behind him, Sinner is focused on his upcoming matches and maintaining his status as one of the top players in the world.
