'Doping' warnings on the spray responsible for Jannik Sinner's failed Dope Test

The over-the-counter spray sold in Italy that caused No. 1-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner to fail two drug tests has alleged "DOPING" printed on its box inside a red circle with a slash through it. Sinner was recently cleared and will be playing Jack Draper in the U.S. Open semifinals on Friday. 

It's worth noting that Trofodermin, the medication containing the banned anabolic steroid Clostebol, is available without a prescription in Sinner’s home country. The trace amount of Clostebol in his test results came from this medication, which was purchased by his physical trainer.

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What is Trofodermin, and Why is it Used? 

The drug is used for treating cuts and scrapes. It comes with an underlined warning in Italian on the medication guide, inside the box, which states that athletes who use this drug without therapeutic needs can result in positive anti-doping tests. 

According to Italian law No. 376 from 2000, all products containing substances on the World Anti-Doping Association's banned list come with a printed “DOPING” warning.

Sinner's Lawyer's take on the Case

Italian lawyer Giovanni Fontana, who represents athletes facing doping charges and has worked on about 100 such cases, revealed that 10 of his cases resulted from positive tests for Clostebol that were traced to Trofodermin, and 9 of those resulted in bans.

“When an athlete tests positive for Clostebol, the first thing I ask them is if they used Trofodermin,” Fontana said.

"And if they haven’t, I tell them to go check if a family member or partner has, because it’s transmitted so easily,” Fontana added

Sinner's suspension was not enforced despite his positive tests, as it was ascertained that the presence of Clostebol in his system was unintentional and occurred as a result of a massage administered by his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi. Sinner explained that his fitness trainer, Umberto Ferrara, had obtained Trofodermin in Italy and given it to Naldi to treat a cut on Naldi's finger. Naldi then administered treatment to Sinner without wearing gloves.

Fontana further added that for Trofodermin, the 'Doping' warning is only on the box and not the product itself; hence, the chances of the warning not being seen increase exponentially.

“It would be a civil case in which he seeks damages for the impact on his image, for the legal costs, for the anxiousness and stress he had to deal with,” Fontana elaborated 

Regarding Sinner's case, there is a possibility of WADA and Nado Italia, Italy’s anti-doping agency, filing an appeal. Fontana also mentioned that Nado Italia has appealed all cases related to Clostebol and Trofodermin that he has handled.

Ferrara and Naldi: The Culprits

Sinner admitted to having fired both Ferrara and Naldi before the US Open. Sinner further added that he is clear on his stance of not doing anything wrong and that he respects the anti-doping rules.

Ferrara, a pharmacist and Naldi were part of Sinner's team when he won his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January.

Fontana suggested that the Ferrara and Naldi duo can face a potential 4-year ban while referring to a 4-year suspension for a Club doctor at an Italian soccer club in 2018.

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