Tennis star Jannik Sinner has accepted a three-month ban in exchange for settling a doping case with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The ban, which runs from February 9 to May 4, is the result of two positive doping tests nearly a year ago. Sinner tested positive for anabolic steroid Clostebol due to accidental contamination by his trainer.
Sinner’s explanation that the substance was introduced through a massage from a trainer who used it after cutting their own finger was accepted. The ITIA initially ruled that the contamination was accidental, but WADA appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
However, WADA has formally withdrawn its appeal and accepted Sinner’s explanation. As part of the settlement, Sinner will not be disqualified from any results and will only lose 1,600 points due to the ban.
The ATP Tour stated that WADA confirmed Sinner had no intent to violate anti-doping rules and gained no competitive advantage. The governing body noted that the case is an important reminder of players’ responsibility to carefully manage products and treatments they or their entourages use.
Sinner can return to competition before the French Open, which starts on May 25. He may also compete at his home tournament in Rome, which begins on May 7.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/jannik-sinner-doping-ban-three-months-wada-05989b3a5276de498a005feaaf705339