Jannik Sinner's Laureus Sportsman Of Year Nomination Withdrawn Due To Doping Ban | CBC Sports

Tennis

The nomination of Jannik Sinner for the Laureus sportsman of the year award was withdrawn Thursday because of the top-ranked tennis player’s three-month ban for his two positive doping tests nearly a year ago.

Italian tennis star currently serving 3-month suspension for trace amounts of ClostebolThe Associated Press

· Posted: Feb 27, 2025 2:01 PM EST | Last Updated: 1 hour ago

23-year-old Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner, who tested positive for Clostebol last year, reached a settlement with WADA and is currently serving a three-month ban but remains eligible for upcoming Grand Slam events. (Vincent Thian/The Associated Press)The nomination of Jannik Sinner for the Laureus sportsman of the year award was withdrawn Thursday because of the top-ranked tennis player’s three-month ban for his two positive doping tests nearly a year ago.

Laureus World Sports Academy chairman Sean Fitzpatrick said in a statement that the Italian player’s ban resulting from a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency prompted 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it has been decided that Jannik Sinner’s nomination for this year’s Laureus world sportsman of the year award is to be withdrawn,” Fitzpatrick said.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 — whilst we note the extenuating circumstances involved — feel that the three-month ban renders the nomination ineligible. Jannik and his team have been informed.”

WATCH l Sinner helps Italy win its 2nd straight Davis Cup title:

Sinner defeats Griekspoor as Italy defends Davis Cup title

After Matteo Berrettini of Italy defeated Botic Van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands in the opening match of the Davis Cup final in Malaga, Spain, top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner defeated Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (7-2), 6-2, to help Italy win its second straight Davis Cup title.

Sinner and WADA announced the settlement on Feb. 15.

Sinner’s explanation — that trace amounts of Clostebol in his doping sample was due to a massage from a trainer who used the substance after cutting his own finger — had been accepted.

The timing means the 23-year-old Italian won’t miss any Grand Slam tournaments. The French Open, the season’s next major, starts May 25.

Last year, Novak Djokovic won the Laureus sportsman of the year award for 2023 and Spanish soccer star Aitana Bonmati was picked as the best sportswoman.

Nominees for the upcoming awards will be announced in Madrid on Monday.