Jannik Sinner’s nomination for the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award has been withdrawn due to his three-month ban for two positive doping tests almost a year ago.
Sean Fitzpatrick, chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy, said in a statement that the Italian player’s ban, which resulted from a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), led to the decision.
“Following discussions by the Laureus Academy, it has been decided that Jannik Sinner’s nomination for this year’s Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award is to be withdrawn,” Fitzpatrick said.
“We have followed this case, the decisions of the relevant global bodies, and while we recognise the extenuating circumstances involved, we feel that the three-month ban makes the nomination ineligible. Jannik and his team have been informed.”
Sinner and WADA announced the settlement on February 15. WADA had originally sought a one-year ban for the three-time Grand Slam champion after challenging a decision by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The ITIA had decided not to suspend Sinner for accidental contamination by a banned anabolic steroid last March.
Sinner explained that the trace amounts of Clostebol in his doping sample were caused by a massage from his trainer, who had used the substance after cutting his own finger. This explanation was accepted.
The ban’s timing means the 23-year-old Italian will not miss any Grand Slam tournaments, including the French Open, which starts on May 25.
Last year, Novak Djokovic won the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award, and Spanish football star Aitana Bonmatí was named the best sportswoman.
The nominees for this year’s awards will be announced in Madrid on Monday.
