World number one Jannik Sinner has escaped a drugs ban after a successful appeal found the Italian bears no fault or negligence.
Sinner tested positive twice for clostebol in March at Indian Wells but immediately appealed the positive tests.
The Italian’s case was that his physio sprayed it onto his finger to treat a wound.
That reason was good enough for the ITIA as CEO Karen Moorhouse explained, “We take any positive test extremely seriously and will always apply the rigorous processes set out by WADA,” the statement began.
“The ITIA carried out a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the positive tests which Mr Sinner and his representatives fully co-operated.
“Following that investigation, the ITIA accepted the player’s explanation as to the source of the colestebol and that the presence of the substance was not intentional. We thank the independent tribunal for the speed and clarity of its decision in relation to the player’s degree of fault.”
As a result Sinner has accepted the violation against him with his Indian Wells result being disqualified.
The Italian loses 400 ranking points and is fined $325,000 but will not serve a suspension and is free to play the US Open.
The US Open will start on the 26th of August.
