Jannik Sinner Cleared of Doping Charges Ahead of U.S. Open

World number one tennis player Jannik Sinner was cleared of wrongdoing after failing two drug tests in March. An independent tribunal ruled that the anabolic agent clostebol entered his system unintentionally through his physio's use of a spray. Sinner can play in the U.S. Open starting August 26.

World number one Jannik Sinner failed two drug tests in March but has been cleared of wrongdoing by an independent tribunal, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Tuesday. This announcement comes just days before the Italian is set to compete in the U.S. Open.

The tribunal, convened by Sport Resolutions, accepted Sinner's explanation that the anabolic agent clostebol entered his system through his support team. His physio, Giacomo Naldi, had used an over-the-counter spray on his own wound and then administered massages on Sinner without gloves, unaware the product contained clostebol.

Sinner's first positive sample was taken on March 10, followed by a second one eight days later. Each positive test resulted in a provisional suspension, but urgent appeals allowed him to continue playing. Despite this, Sinner's results and prize money from the ATP Masters 1000 event at Indian Wells were disqualified. WADA is reviewing the decision and may appeal. Sinner stated he is moving past this challenging period.