Top notch tennis player Jannik Sinner tested positive twice for a banned anabolic steroid in March.
The 23-year-old tested positive for low levels a metabolite of clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid that can be used for ophthalmologic and dermatologic purposes.
Sinner was stripped of his prize money and points from a tournament in California, but the newly crowned Cincinnati Open winner will not face any further suspensions.
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Jannik Sinner of Italy shakes hands with Novak Djokovic of Serbia during their singles semi-final match during the 2024 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
Ahead of the US Open, Novak Djokovic says there is a “lack of consistency” as players question whether there is a double standard in the sport.
“I understand that the players' frustration is due to the lack of consistency,” Djokovic said. “As far as I understand, his case was settled the moment it was announced.”
“We see a lack of standardized and clear protocols. I can understand the feelings of many players who wonder if they are treated equally.”
Carlos Alcaraz also addressed the issue.
“I think there is something behind this that many people don't know. I don't even know myself. In the end it is something very difficult to talk about,” said Alcaraz.
Jannik Sinner of Italy hits a backhand against Andrey Rublev of Russia in the quarterfinals of the Cincinnati Open at Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 17, 2024, in Mason, Ohio. (Frey/TPN/Getty Images)
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“In the end he tested positive, but there must be a reason why he was allowed to continue playing and which we don't know about. That's why I can't say much about it. He was declared innocent and that's why we have Jannik in the tournament. So there's not much to say and I'm not in a position to add anything more.”
A prominent player in the sport totally disagrees with the result.
Nick Kyrgios says it's “ridiculous” that Sinner is only handing out prize money and points, adding that Sinner should not see the court for a long time.
“Was it accidental or planned. You were tested twice for a banned substance (steroids)… You should be out for two years. Your performance improved. Massage cream… Yeah, great,” Kyrgios posted on X.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced that Sinner would not be suspended because an independent tribunal determined it was not intentional. He was suspended due to the results of those tests, but he successfully appealed and was allowed to continue competing on the tour.
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain shakes hands with Jannik Sinner of Italy after beating him in a men's singles semi-final match at Roland Garros on June 7, 2024, in Paris. (Frey/TPN/Getty Images)
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Sinner won his first Grand Slam title in January when he won the Australian OpenShe reached the semi-finals of the French Open in June and the quarter-finals at Wimbledon in July.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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