Tennis world disgusted by Jannik Sinner's 'preferential treatment' in doping case

Jannik Sinner's dominating display at the Cincinnati Masters, in which he picked up his fifth title of the season, has been overshadowed by the apparent steroid scandal looming over his head.

World number one Sinner has been cleared for two anti-doping failures in March after the Italian tested positive for the banned substance clostebol, an anabolic agent that can aid muscle growth.

The world number one was provisionally banned for the two positive test results, but he appealed, expressing that he was inadvertently exposed to the steroid.

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According to Tennis365, Karen Moorhouse, the International Tennis Integrity Agency CEO, said: "The ITIA carried out a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the positive tests with 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 clostebol and that the presence of the substance was not intentional. This was also accepted by the tribunal."

Sinner and his team successfully argued that he was contaminated through his physio Giacomo Naldi, who cut his finger at Indian Wells and used Umberto Ferrara's (Sinner's trainer) Trofodermi spray. Naldi massaged Sinner without gloves, and he often had small cuts.

Some former players have questioned why Sinner has been cleared to play and if the reigning Australian Open champion has been given preferential treatment whilst the case has been investigated by experts.

Darren Cahill, Sinner's coach of two years, told ESPN that it helped Sinner had "a lot of money" to fight the case and hire the best legal help available.

Cahill said: "It makes it a little bit easier for someone highly ranked because you can afford to fight this case properly and fairly. Whereas I think a player ranked 300 or 500 or 1000 in the world, if they get into this situation, they don't have the funds."

British tennis star Liam Broady gave his view on X, claiming Sinner had received preferential treatment because of other examples in the sport.

"Whether Sinner was doping or not. This is not right. Plenty of players go through the same thing and must wait months or YEARS for their innocence to be declared. Not a good look."

Does it seem fair that because Sinner is higher-ranked and subsequently earns more money, he can continue playing in tournaments while being investigated for cheating?

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The Italian ace gave his verdict on the decision: "I will continue to do everything I can to ensure I continue to comply with the ITIA's anti-doping program, and I have a team around me that is meticulous in their own compliance."

Outspoken tennis star Nick Kyrgios couldn't hold back on his verdict and claimed Sinner should face the harshest penalties for failing two drug tests.

The former Wimbledon finalist took to X, saying: "You get tested twice with a banned (steroid) substance... you should be gone for two years. Your performance was enhanced. Massage cream.... yes nice."

Former top ten player Denis Shapovalov was also not enthralled by the decision, adding: "Can't imagine what every other player that got banned for contaminated substances is feeling right now. Different rules for different players."

Sinner will play at the US Open, which starts on the 26th of August, and he will be expecting a host of questions on the story when he meets the media for the first time.

After winning the Cincinnati Masters, can the Italian block out the noise surrounding him and win his maiden US Open? Let us know in the comments!

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