World No.1 tennis star Jannik Sinner has avoided a ban after it was confirmed that a bare-handed massage led to ‘contamination’ and was the reason for his two failed drug tests.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed the news on Tuesday, following a tribunal over his failed drugs tests at Indian Wells in March 2024.
The banned anabolic steroid Clostebol was discovered in Sinner’s urine – but that has now been blamed on a gloveless massage he got from his physiotherapist.
Sinner’s physiotherapist was using a spray to treat a cut on his own finger – which led to the contamination – and the incident has now reached a full conclusion.
The current Australian Open champion was automatically provisionally suspended, like Simona Halep, but his successful appeal allowed him to play on and move to the top of the world rankings.
Sinner admitted the violation at a hearing last week – losing $325,000 and 400 ranking points he earned at Indian Wells – but he’s free to play at the US Open.
More to follow…
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