World No. 1 Jannik Sinner tested positive twice for banned steroids, avoids suspension

Jannik Sinner's 2024 Cincinnati Open win may not be as bright as news broke that the Italian had twice tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid earlier this year. Sinner secured his third ATP Masters trophy by defeating Frances Tiafoe on Monday (August 19) but at the same time, has been linked to a steroid scandal.

In a statement, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) said that low levels of clostebol were found in Sinner after separate tests on March 10 and March 18. However, the agency on Tuesday stated that the banned substance the World No. 1 tested positive for entered unintentionally through a massage from his physiotherapist.  

As it is not the sinner's fault, he will not face suspension or ban from the sport. However, he will lose the ranking points and prize money he earned at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, which he competed in when he first tested positive.

“I will now put this challenging and deeply unfortunate period behind me. I will continue to do everything I can to ensure I continue to comply with the ITIA’s anti-doping program and I have a team around me that are meticulous in their own compliance,” the 23-year-old said in a statement he shared on Instagram.

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Sinner gets on the right track ahead of 2024 US Open  

The last few weeks were not kind to Jannik Sinner. He suffered a quarter-final defeat to Daniil Medvedev in the Wimbledon Championships after feeling unwell. He then had to miss the Swedish Open and the Paris Olympics due to tonsillitis.

The young lad returned to action in Montreal at the 2024 Canadian Open but once again failed to cross the quarter-final hurdle. However, he finally got back on track with a victory in the Cincinnati Open, defeating America’s Frances Tiafoe 7-6(4), 6-2 in the final.

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He entered the tournament in Ohio on the back of injury concerns to his hip. “It was a very difficult week, tough week. I’m very happy about today’s match,” Sinner said in his on-court interview.

With the 2024 US Open, the last Grand Slam event of the year, Sinner is delighted to have won the title for the first time in Ohio. The hard-court event will be held from August 26.