As the Australian Open approaches, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner finds himself under intense scrutiny due to lingering doping controversies. Despite the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) affirming that protocols were followed, questions remain about Sinner’s ability to compete throughout 2024 despite two positive tests for the banned steroid Clostebol.
The ITIA held briefing sessions in Melbourne to address concerns and clarify the facts surrounding recent doping cases, including Sinner’s. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has scheduled a rehearing of Sinner’s case for April 16 and 17, following an appeal from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios has been a vocal critic of Sinner’s exoneration, claiming it undermines the integrity of tennis. Other players have privately questioned whether Sinner’s status as world No. 1 influenced the leniency of his treatment. The controversy is further fueled by the case of Iga Swiatek, who also managed to keep her positive test for Trimetazidine out of the public eye for months.
Sinner’s positive tests were revealed in August, five months after they were conducted. Both Sinner and Swiatek successfully challenged their provisional suspensions within the prescribed 10-day window, an unusual occurrence according to the ITIA. While Swiatek was found to bear “no significant fault or negligence” for taking a contaminated dose of melatonin, Sinner was cleared of responsibility for Clostebol in his body, attributed to contamination from his fitness trainer, Giacomo Naldi.
Despite his exoneration, Sinner’s image has suffered. During the Australian Open draw, viewers’ comments on YouTube were filled with derogatory references to his positive test. WADA’s appeal argues that athletes must bear some responsibility for substances in their bodies, regardless of how they got there.
Sinner’s future remains uncertain, as CAS may opt for a middle ground, potentially resulting in a short ban. This could impact his participation in the French Open, Wimbledon, and his US Open title defense. Despite the controversy, Sinner remains a favorite to win a third major title at the Australian Open, but his resilience will be tested.
