“I hope people understand why they let me keep playing and why I got the no fault” – Jannik Sinner on finding closure amid raging doping controversy

Jannik Sinner has revisited the doping controversy that has surrounded him since Tuesday, August 20. On that day, he and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) revealed that despite twice testing positive for a banned substance earlier this year, he had been cleared to compete. Many notable figures in tennis have criticized the investigative authorities, implying that Sinner may have received special treatment.

Jannik Sinner, however, dismissed these claims, calling for a better understanding of his circumstances.

The two positive tests were conducted in March—first during his run to the semifinals at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, and the second following the conclusion of his campaign there.

The test results were sent to Sinner’s team in April, leading to a provisional suspension. However, his legal team quickly appealed the suspension, presenting evidence to demonstrate that the Italian had unknowingly ingested clostebol, the banned substance in question.

According to the evidence, Sinner’s accidental exposure to the banned substance occurred when his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, massaged him during his Indian Wells run.

Naldi had been using a spray containing clostebol to treat a cut on his own finger, a medication reportedly provided by Sinner’s fitness trainer, Umberto Ferrara. Unfortunately, Naldi massaged the reigning Australian Open champion without wearing gloves, and due to Sinner’s skin lesions, the substance entered his bloodstream.

An arbitrator referred the case to an independent tribunal, which, after conducting its investigation, cleared Sinner of any wrongdoing. Despite this, the Italian was stripped of the prize money and ranking points he earned during his run to the Indian Wells semifinals.

However, active players like Denis Shapovalov and Nick Kyrgios have expressed concerns, suggesting that Sinner received preferential treatment.

Recently, in an interview with ESPN, the World No. 1 acknowledged that his privileged position allowed him the financial means to hire “qualified” legal representation. Sinner also emphasized that his team’s understanding of the contamination source contributed to the swift resolution of the case.

“Obviously, being where I am, I have the ability to take qualified people. Obviously, if this happens to a different player, it’s going to be different, but again, I was treated like everyone else. The reason why I kept playing, because we knew exactly how it (clostebol) had entered my system and where this clostebol was from, no? And it was in the spray (used by the physio),” Sinner told ESPN.

The Italian also denied allegations that he received preferential treatment from the authorities due to his status as one of the elite men’s tennis players in the modern era.

“So, all things considered, I haven’t had a different treatment. The process was very long and after it went with an even bigger wait towards the end, because when you feel like, ‘okay, the result is coming’, you still don’t know what’s coming out, but it was not an easy period for me, so I’m happy,” Sinner added

The World No. 1 concluded by saying that he hopes no one else has to endure what he did. He also expressed his desire for his critics to understand why the authorities allowed him to continue playing.

“No there is nothing really (that I’d like to add for closure). It has been a very tough time. It has been a doubtful time. I’m happy that this finally is over, so a lot of weight from my shoulders is gone. I wish none of the players have to go through this. I also hope that people understand why they let me keep playing and why I got the no fault,” Jannik Sinner concluded.

“I believe I’m a fair player on and off the court” – Jannik Sinner

At a 2024 US Open pre-tournament press conference, Sinner reflected on the challenging times when he had to undergo the tests. He emphasized that he strictly follows the rules and regulations that govern tennis.

“So I was worried, of course, because I’m always the player who was working very, very carefully in this. I believe I’m a fair player on and off the court. And yeah, that’s a bit how it all was and how it went,” Sinner said.

As the top seed in the men’s singles main draw at the US Open, Jannik Sinner is set to begin his campaign against Mackenzie McDonald on Tuesday, August 27. If the Italian prevails in his opening match, he will face either Alex Michelsen or qualifier Eliot Spizzirri in the second round.

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