The tennis world was shaken this week as world No. 1 Jannik Sinner avoided sanctions despite two positive doping tests earlier this year. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) ruled the Italian star bore \"no fault\" after traces of banned substance clostebol were linked to a teammate’s spray. 🧪
The Contamination Explanation
Sinner’s team argued the steroid entered his system via a massage therapist using an over-the-counter wound spray containing clostebol. The ITIA confirmed cross-contamination likely occurred during treatments from March 5–13, coinciding with his Indian Wells tournament. While cleared of intent, Sinner forfeits his 2024 Indian Wells results and ranking points. 🏆➡️🗑️
Mixed Reactions from the Tennis World
While Sinner called the ordeal \"deeply unfortunate,\" peers like Nick Kyrgios slammed the decision on X: \"You get tested twice with a banned steroid… should be gone for 2 years.\" Others questioned fairness, with Denis Shapovalov asking: \"Can't imagine what every other player that got banned for contaminated substances is feeling.\" 😤
The ATP backed the ruling, praising the \"robust\" investigation but stressing the need for \"utmost care\" by athletes and teams. With Sinner cleared, the drama highlights the fine line between accident and accountability in elite sports. ⚖️✨
