In massive tennis news, Jannik Sinner, current men’s world number one, has become the first ever reigning #1 to lose points stripped for doping charges.
Sinner tested positive twice for a banned steroid back in March, but an independent tribunal has ruled the use of the steroid as “un-intentional,” with Sinner only being stripped of his prize money and points earned at the Indian Wells tournament.
Sinner has claimed that he inadvertently tested positive for the drug via cross-contamination from his physiotherapist. In a statement posted to X, the Italian tennis champ claims his physio cut himself, used the steroid-based drug to treat the wound, and “did not check the contents of the spray or see that present on the label of the canister was “clostebol.” The physiotherapist then conducted massages and treatments on Sinner between March 5 and March 13. According to Sinner’s team statement, “the physiotherapist treated Jannik, and his lack of care coupled with various open wounds on Jannik’s body caused the contamination.”.
Sure, there’s every chance that cross-contamination may be the case, given Sinner tested positive to a trace of less than a billionth of a gram. But my question is, how on earth did no one get wind of this, especially with Sinner being the face of the ITF brand? The Indian Wells tournament was held over five months ago, and there wasn’t even a whisper that the world number one was being investigated for steroid charges, let alone returning two positive tests, appealing, and avoiding charges!
Now as for the drug itself. Clostebol, an anabolic steroid that helps build muscle mass, is the same drug that saw the MLB suspend Fernando Tatis Jr. from 82 games back in 2022, despite his case also being declared unintentional. Regardless of whether the use was intentional or not, a clear-cut ban until a clean test seems the logical route, given it is the regular course of action across every sporting sphere, including racing.
Whether this be a cover-up scheme or just a plain old error, the golden boy has been taken down a few pegs in the lead-up to the US Open next week—safe to say all eyes will be on Jannik Sinner and his test results.
