Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner, seeded, competes in the US Open amid a wave of controversy after it was revealed that the 2024 Australian Open winner would not be suspended after testing positive twice for an anabolic steroid in March.
Last week, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced its decision that Sinner was not at fault for two anti-doping violations in March when he tested positive for the banned substance clostebol twice within an eight-day period.
Jannik Sinner returns a shot during the first round of the US Open on August 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
On both occasions he was given a provisional suspension, but Sinner successfully appealed each suspension and was able to continue competing.
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The news came out after Sinner won the Cincinnati Open and shortly after the US Open, leaving many in the tennis community speculating as to why the matter was seemingly kept secret and whether a double standard was applied in this case due to its success.
But eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi defended Sinner in a recent interview with Fox News Digital.
“Was that material? I don't think it was, nor do I think he would take the risk of putting that small amount of — it's not possible,” he said. “No one is going to take that risk deliberately. So I believe that.”
The investigation reportedly determined that there was less than one billionth of a gram in Sinner's system. He said he became contaminated with the substance when his fitness trainer bought an over-the-counter spray in Italy containing clostebol and gave it to Sinner's physical therapist to treat a cut on the physical therapist's finger. The physical therapist treated Sinner without wearing gloves.
Jannik Sinner of Italy is pictured during the first round of the US Open on August 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
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While some players questioned the explanation, others called for a suspension and more consistency. But Agassi disagrees based on the facts of Sinner's case.
“If you're going to cheat to improve performance, you're not going to put a billionth of a gram of something into your body on purpose. You're going to get a benefit from the performance enhancer if that's your goal,” he said.
Agassi urged those with Concerns about the process Turning his attention to the system and not the player. He added that Sinner's ability to continue playing despite the ongoing case is something all players should have.
Andre Agassi celebrates his victory after the men's singles final at the Australian Open on January 26, 2003. (Nick Laham/Getty Images)
“It's not like you don't get tested three times, or you don't get tested three times, as we've seen with a couple of players, that's an immediate action, right? So peace of mind is always present in any due process, unless a player chooses to talk about it voluntarily. And your ability to play while you're appealing is not necessarily a rule, it's a law.”
“It's sad for the sport,” Agassi added. “I never like to see that news come out. I never like anyone to have to go through that. I'm sure it's been a horrible time for Jannik, who's had to bear the full brunt of this, and I hope everyone is moving towards solving a problem, if there is a problem. … I think the sooner we get over it, the better. This guy is great for the game and I don't think he cheats.”
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Sinner, 23, has maintained he did not intentionally violate the ITIA's anti-doping policy and has since parted ways with the two members of his team at the centre of the controversy.
Jannik Sinner reacts after scoring a point against Mackenzie McDonald at the US Open on August 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
“Of course, it's not ideal before a Grand Slam,” Sinner said at a news conference ahead of her first-round match. “But in my mind, I know I haven't done anything wrong. I had to play now.” [for] months with this in my head but only [was reminding] “I acknowledge to myself that I have done nothing wrong. I always respect these rules and I will always respect these anti-doping rules.”
Sinner advanced to the second round of the US Open this week after a lackluster win over American Mackenzie McDonald on Tuesday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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