The number one in the ATP ranking, Jannik Sinner, has taken responsibility for the consumption of an anabolic steroid and will be out of the courts from today until May 4 of this year. Sinner acknowledged: 'I have always accepted that I am responsible for my team and I am aware that the strict rules of the WADA are an important protection of the sport I love.'
In a doping test, the European tennis player tested positive on two occasions for having consumed Clostebol, an anabolic steroid that is part of the corticosteroid family and is mostly found in creams for wound healing. Sinner accepted the consequences and agreed to a three-month suspension with WADA to resolve the disciplinary process.
The consumption of Clostebol generated controversy since March 4 of last year when it was detected at the Indian Wells tournament. Although this product can be purchased at pharmacies, starting from 2024, it is included in the list of prohibited substances. Thus, Sinner will miss important competitions such as the ATP 500 in Rotterdam and the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, and Madrid, as well as the tournaments in Doha, Rio de Janeiro, Dubai, and Acapulco.
Despite the three months of voluntary suspension for positive doping, Jannik Sinner maintains his first position in the ATP ranking. The World Anti-Doping Agency imposed the suspension starting February 9, and despite this, Sinner continues to lead with 11,830 points, while his follower, Alexander Zverev, has 8,135 points, so his position is not at risk.
