Denis Shapovalov and other tennis players have raised concerns about perceived double standards in the sport after world number one Jannik Sinner was cleared of doping charges despite failing two drug tests in 2024.
On Tuesday, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced that an independent tribunal had found no grounds for banning Sinner. The decision has sparked criticism from several players, including Shapovalov, who questioned the fairness of the ruling.
“Can’t imagine what every other player that got banned for contaminated substances is feeling right now,” Shapovalov wrote on social media. “Different rules for different players.”
Reuters has reached out to Sinner’s management for a statement.
Sinner’s coach, Darren Cahill, expressed relief and emphasized their desire to move past the issue. “We’re not looking for any sorrow or anything because we are quite thankful there is no ban attached,” Cahill said. “He would never, ever intentionally do anything and he’s in a situation which is incredibly unfortunate.”
Sinner tested positive for clostebol at Indian Wells in March. Although low levels of the banned substance were detected in a subsequent test, the 23-year-old successfully contested the provisional suspensions imposed on him. He is now eligible to compete in the US Open, starting August 26.
The Italian player lost 400 ranking points and $325,000 in prize money due to the controversy. Sinner, who maintains his innocence, claims the substance entered his system through a spray used by his physiotherapist.
British player Liam Broady criticized the handling of the case on social media. “Whether Sinner was doping or not, this is not right,” Broady wrote. “Plenty of players go through the same thing and have to wait months or years for their innocence to be declared. Not a good look.”
The ITIA stated that experts deemed Sinner’s explanation credible, which led to the lifting of his provisional suspensions. Former British doubles number one Tara Moore, who was suspended for 19 months before being cleared in 2023, highlighted the discrepancy in treatment. “I guess only the top players’ images matter,” Moore wrote. “It just makes no sense.”
Simona Halep, a former Wimbledon champion, was provisionally suspended in October 2022 and later banned for four years due to two antidoping rule violations. Her suspension was reduced to nine months in March following an appeal.
The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) called for consistency in anti-doping procedures. “Players winning anti-doping violation appeals is generally good,” said Ahmad Nassar, executive director of the PTPA. “But we need clear, consistent processes for all players, regardless of their ranking or nationality.”
The decision on Sinner is subject to possible appeals by the World Anti-Doping Agency or the Italian Anti-Doping Agency.
Australian player Nick Kyrgios also criticized the ruling, stating on social media, “Ridiculous — whether it was accidental or planned. You get tested twice with a banned [steroid] substance … you should be gone for two years.”
