Tennis star Janic Sinner has tested positive twice this year – but it’s not a case of intentional doping.
Although tennis world number one Janic Sinner twice tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol in March, the 23-year-old managed to avoid a ban. According to the responsible tennis agency Idia, Sinner was acquitted by an independent court last Thursday because this year’s Australian Open champion from Italy did not intentionally use a banned substance.
In a statement shared on social media, Sinner said the substance entered her body through the hands of her physical therapist. Accordingly, the caregiver used a spray containing clostepol, which is available without a prescription in Italy, to treat a cut on her finger.
reliable
The physiotherapist in question allegedly used the spray between March 5 and 13, as the IDEA notice shows. During this time he massaged Sinner, which “inadvertently led to transdermal contamination.” According to Idia, scientific experts found Sinner’s explanation to be credible. That’s why the tennis agency avoided temporarily suspending Sinner. After further investigation by the agency, nothing has changed in this matter.
However, the tennis star didn’t get off completely unpunished. Because of the positive result, she forfeited the prize money and points for the ATP tournament in Indian Wells, where she had reached the semifinals in March, and the positive result was determined.
“hard thing”
“This is a difficult matter for Janic and his team, and highlights the need for players and those around them to exercise extreme caution when using any products or treatments. Integrity is everything in our sport,” the ATP Players Association commented.
Only Sinner won the Cincinnati Open on Monday. He is one of the favorites for the US Open starting next week in New York. (dpa)
