"Simona Halep somewhere laughing"; "Ridiculous that information wasn’t made public": Fans criticize ATP, ITIA over Jannik Sinner's failed doping tests

Several fans have criticized the ATP and (International Tennis Integrity Agency) ITIA for not suspending Jannik Sinner from the tour despite failing the anti-doping tests twice, accusing them of bias in contrast to Simona Halep's suspension. Reports revealed that Sinner tested positive for trace amounts of Clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid, in his urine sample during the BNP Paribas Open earlier this year.

The 23-year-old later explained that the failed anti-doping tests were due to an unintentional contamination while receiving treatment through his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi. Experts also determined that Sinner had been exposed to the steroid through a healing spray called Trofodermin applied by Naldi.

Given that only trace amounts of the banned substance were detected in Sinner's urine sample, the ITIA determined it was not performance-enhancing, allowing the Italian to continue competing on the ATP tour.

Following the investigation, the ATP released a statement confirming that no fault was attributed to Sinner, despite the thorough investigation process under the TADP ( Tennis Anti-Doping Programme).

"We are encouraged that no fault or negligence has been found on Jannik Sinner’s part. We would also like to acknowledge the robustness of the investigation process and independent evaluation of the facts under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP), which has allowed him to continue competing," ATP shared on X.

"This has been a challenging matter for Jannik and his team, and underscores the need for players and their entourages to take utmost care in the use of products or treatments. Integrity is paramount in our sport," they added.

A group of fans on X criticized the decision to allow Sinner to continue playing despite two failed tests. One fan speculated about Simona Halep's reaction, who is currently serving a ban after testing positive for Roxadustat at the 2022 US Open.

"Simona Halep is somewhere laughing about that "no fault" statement from ATP," the fan said.

"What a disgrace for sport! To cover up for your darling like THIS?!?! You are an absolute joke FFS," one fan chimed in.

"Yeah I did not expect to wake up to this disappointing from Sinner," another commented.

Reflecting on the incident, journalist José Morgado later questioned why the news hadn't been made public earlier. He shared his thoughts on X.

"Incredible how this wasn’t made public before. And pretty great for the players’ (and tennis’) image. Sinner will lose all the point (400) and prize money (320k) from the Indian Wells tournament."

A fan later agreed to Morgado and wrote:

"Exactly, even if it was a contamination it’s ridiculous that this information wasn’t made public until many months later."

Some fans accused the ATP of bias, pointing out that Simona Halep was suspended after failing a doping test, while Jannik Sinner was not.

"Atp bias helped him this is unbelievable," one fan said.

"Just woman get suspended? Halep just got suspended for less than this shit guy," another opined.

Although Jannik Sinner was allowed to continue playing, he was not fully exonerated. The Italian was fined £250,000, the prize money he earned for reaching the semifinals at Indian Wells and lost 400 ranking points.

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Jannik Sinner shifts his focus to the 2024 US Open after a decent lead-up

Jannik Sinner focuses on the 2024 US Open- Source: Getty

Jannik Sinner had an impressive lead-up to the last Major of the season, the US Open. The Italian reached the quarterfinals of the Canadian Open but lost 3-6, 6-1, 2-6 to Andrey Rublev.

Nonetheless, Sinner had a deep run at the next Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati, defeating Alex Michelsen, Jordan Thompson, Andrey Rublev, and Alexander Zverev, before overcoming Frances Tiafoe in the final to claim his 15th career ATP title.

Boosting Sinner's confidence is his dominant performance on hard courts this season. The Italian has won four titles on the surface, including the Australian Open, ABN Amro Open, Miami Open, and the Cincinnati Open. He has won 28 out of 30 matches so far on hard courts in 2024.