US Open 2024: Why is Jannik Sinner allowed to play despite two failed dope tests in March

Top seed Jannik Sinner begins his US Open 2024 campaign with a first-round clash against Mackenzie McDonald, one of the local favourites, at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York on Tuesday. Sinner is allowed to compete, revealed ITIA, because an independent tribunal said that he bore ‘No Fault or Negligence’ for how the anabolic steroid, which resulted in positive tests, entered his body. READ | Jannik Sinner fires two team members, says outcome of steroids case was a relief Here is the complete timeline of events which explains how Jannik Sinner has escaped from a possible two-year doping ban: February 12: Umberto Ferrara, Sinner’s fitness coach, purchases a medical spray in Italy with the brand name ‘Trofodermin’ which is used to heal cuts. June 19: Sinner responds to the Notice of Charge by providing the ITIA with detailed submissions explaining the circumstances leading to the two positive tests and seeks a resolution to the proceeding on the basis of ‘No Fault or Negligence’ to avoid the applicable period of ineligibility of two years. The Tribunal concludes that Sinner bears ‘No Fault or Negligence’ for committing the two anti-doping rule violations and therefore, he shall not be banned.