As the Australian Open gets under way in Melbourne, the sport is facing a crisis over positive doping tests involving two of the biggest stars in tennis.
Last March, the top-ranked men’s player, Jannik Sinner, tested positive for clostebol, a banned anabolic agent, twice. The substance was quickly traced to a product that was used to treat a cut on the hand of Sinner’s physiotherapist.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency’s (ITIA) independent tribunal cleared Sinner of any fault or negligence. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed that decision, putting Sinner’s future in the sport in doubt. He faces a potential two-year ban if the appeal is successful. It will be heard in April.
