"Should be gone for two years"- Nick Kyrgios lashes out against the clean chit for Jannik Sinner

Tennis World No. 1, Jannik Sinner, was cleared of doping charges by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) on Tuesday. The Italian star had been charged with two doping violations earlier this year during the Indian Wells Masters. Sinner had provided an in-competition sample on March 10, which identified the presence of a metabolite of clostebol at low levels. A subsequent sample taken eight days later also tested positive for the same metabolite. However, the ITIA has now provided a clean chit to Sinner, clearing him of any doping violations. Meanwhile, Australian player Nick Kyrgios has slammed the ITIA's decision, calling for a two-year ban for Sinner.

ITIA gives Jannik Sinner a clean chit on doping charges

World No. 1 and recent Cincinnati Masters winner, Jannik Sinner, tested positive for clostebol twice in March during the Indian Wells Masters. Clostebol is an anabolic steroid derived from testosterone and is therefore classified as a banned substance. Sinner's samples from the Indian Wells Tournament showed very low traces of clostebol. The ITIA took the case to an independent tribunal, which was held on August 15th.

Sinner argued that he came into contact with the substance through his physiotherapist, who used an over-the-counter spray containing clostebol on a wound. As evident from the tribunal’s ruling, Sinner’s explanation proved sufficient for the ITIA to clear him of the doping charges. However, despite being cleared of the charges, Sinner was stripped of the Indian Wells Masters’ result, prize money, and ranking points. Sinner has assured that he will continue to comply with the ITIA’s anti-doping regulations moving forward.

"I will now put this challenging and deeply unfortunate period behind me," said Sinner in a statement published on X. "I will continue to do everything I can to ensure I comply with the ITIA's anti-doping programme, and I have a team around me that is meticulous in their own compliance,” he added.

"Your performance was enhanced," says Nick Kyrgios in reaction to Sinner's decision

The ITIA’s decision to clear Sinner of doping charges has met substantial criticism from the tennis community, with figures like John McEnroe and Nick Kyrgios opposing the ruling. Tennis players who test positive for doping violations typically face mandatory provisional suspensions. However, Sinner successfully appealed the suspensions twice in April before the charges were eventually dismissed. Now, notable tennis names like Denis Shapovalov, Tara Moore, and Nick Kyrgios have criticized the 'biased' ruling in Sinner's case by the ITIA.

“Can’t imagine what every other player that got banned for contaminated substances is feeling right now,” wrote Denis Shapovalov. “Different rules for different players,” the 25-year-old Canadian further expressed.

Moreover, Australian player Nick Kyrgios, known for his aggressive and outspoken nature on the court, has called for a two-year ban on the current World No. 1. The currently injured Australian argued that the steroid enhanced Sinner’s performances and that a ban should follow, regardless of whether the contamination was ‘planned or accidental.’

“Ridiculous – whether it was accidental or planned. You get tested twice with banned [steroid] substances and you should be gone for 2 years. Your performance was enhanced,” Kyrgios wrote on X.

Despite the doping charges, the 23-year-old Sinner has maintained his momentum on the ATP Tour during a breakout season, winning his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open and quickly rising to World No. 1. On Monday, Sinner claimed his second Masters 1000 title at the Cincinnati Open, boasting a tour-leading 48-5 record this year.