2024-08-21 06:31:41
The leader in the world ranking of tennis has given two positive tests for doping, but will not receive the usual punishment, which is a suspension of competitive rights.
Australian outdoor champion Yannick Siner failed a test in March. The inspection revealed the presence of the banned drug clostebol, which is based on testosterone. However, the independent body that deals with such cases ruled that the Italian from South Tyrol was the victim of negligence on the part of his physiotherapist.
None of Siner’s positive tests were made public. The International Association for Integrity (actually for clean sport) in tennis consulted with scientific experts before taking the case to the tribunal.
It is clear from the report that the tennis player contracted the infection from a ointment he used for a wound on his finger. The medication was purchased from a pharmacy by the fitness trainer, who then provided it to the physical therapist. When smearing the injured area, the man from Yannick’s team did not use gloves, and so the medicine penetrated Siner’s body. Clostebol is on the list of anabolic steroids.
The first positive test was on March 10 during the “Masters 1000” in Indian Wells, and the second – 8 days later before the tournament of the same category in Miami, which he won after defeating Grigor Dimitrov in the final. Siner was notified of the result in April. He then withdrew in Madrid, citing hip pain, and then missed his home tournament in Rome. He reappeared on the court for the French Open “Roland Garros” in Paris.
The Italian star did not receive the usual temporary suspension because his lawyers immediately appealed, claiming that the banned substance had accidentally entered the body. As of today’s decision, Sinner is left with only the penalty of having his Indian Wells points and money revoked and his tournament results void.