World No. 1 Jannik Sinner tested positive for the anabolic steroid clostebol after two anti-doping tests earlier this season. An independent investigation cleared him of intentional wrongdoing, concluding that the substance entered his system through Trofodermin, a cream containing clostebol, which his former physio had used on his hands before treating him. Trofodermin is available over the counter in Italy.
Despite the ruling, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), claiming the verdict was incorrect under the applicable rules. WADA is pushing for a one-to-two-year ban, arguing that Sinner bears some responsibility since he employed those involved in the case.
Angelo Binaghi, president of the Italian Tennis Federation, has expressed full support for Sinner, who is unlikely to receive a final ruling until next year. Sinner has consistently denied any intentional misconduct and has severed ties with the individuals linked to his positive tests—Giacomo Naldi, who applied the Trofodermin, and Umberto Ferrara, who provided it.
If Sinner were to be suspended, one of his key sponsors, Lavazza, has stated they would continue their partnership with the 23-year-old. Lavazza, the coffee manufacturer, has Sinner as a global ambassador. Meanwhile, most of Sinner’s fellow players on the Tour have refrained from commenting on WADA’s appeal, with Alex de Minaur saying he was “just a tennis player” when asked. De Minaur did, however, praise Sinner’s work ethic.
Sinner is currently aiming to become the first Italian player to win the ATP Finals and has won his first two group matches in Turin against de Minaur and Taylor Fritz, both without dropping a set.
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