World No 1 Jannik Sinner has been facing a challenging and deeply unfortunate period after twice testing positive for the banned substance clostebol. The initial test occurred during the prestigious Indian Wells tournament in March where the Italian reached the semi-finals before bowing out to Carlos Alcaraz, and he failed an out-of-competition test eight days later.
A further sample, conducted out of competition eight days later, also tested positive for the same substance. However, Sinner appealed the results on the basis that the substance was accidentally transferred by his physiotherapist, and he has since been cleared by an independent tribunal.
Despite being cleared of any intentional wrongdoing, Sinner will still lose his 400 rankings points from Indian Wells, where the first test took place, as well as his $325,000 prize money. These consequences are indeed unfortunate given the circumstances.
A statement released on Sinner’s behalf on Tuesday explained that the violation occurred after Sinner’s fitness trainer purchased a product that was used to care for a cut on the finger of the tennis player’s physiotherapist. It is reported that the product contained less than a billionth of a gram of the banned substance clostebol, emphasizing the minimal nature of the exposure.
“Jannik knew nothing of this, and his physiotherapist did not know that he was using a product containing clostebol,” the statement read.
“The physiotherapist treated Jannik without gloves and coupled with various skin lesions on Jannik’s body caused the inadvertent contamination.”
It’s important to note Sinner’s recent triumph as well. He displayed remarkable resilience and skill, eclipsing home favorite Frances Tiafoe in straight sets to win the final of the Cincinnati Open, demonstrating his unwavering determination amidst these challenges.
With this challenging chapter behind him, Sinner now turns his attention to the upcoming US Open, which begins on August 26. As he moves forward, he maintains his focus on the future and the opportunities that lie ahead.
World of sports 
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