Jannik Sinner’s Positive Test: What Substance Was Detected?

In March 2024, world-class Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner tested positive twice for a banned substance called **clostebol**. Clostebol is an anabolic steroid derived from testosterone. The positive tests were recorded during an in-competition drug test at Indian Wells and an out-of-competition test before the Miami Open. Notably, the amount detected was minuscule—less than a billionth of a gram—traced back to the use of a topical medical cream called **Trofodermin**, which was applied by Sinner’s physiotherapist to treat a wound.
Sinner was provisionally suspended but appealed, and an independent tribunal ruled the positive result plausible due to contamination and lack of significant fault on Sinner’s part. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed this ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking a longer ban and result disqualifications. Nonetheless, the case highlighted the complexities around contamination cases and the impact of banned substances in sports.
Jannik Sinner’s Recent Triumph: Paris Masters 2025 Victory
On November 2, 2025, Jannik Sinner clinched a significant victory at the **Rolex Paris Masters**, securing his fifth ATP Masters 1000 title and his maiden Paris Masters crown. In a thrilling final, he defeated Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime with a score of 6-4, 7-6(4), showcasing tremendous composure and technique.
This title was not only a prestigious trophy but also pivotal in Sinner’s career timeline as it helped him reclaim the World Number 1 ATP ranking** from rival Carlos Alcaraz. Sinner’s flawless performance throughout the tournament included winning every set, a feat not achieved at this event since Carlos Alcaraz in 2023. His victory also extended an impressive indoor winning streak to 26 matches.
Reflecting on the win, Sinner described the final as intense and stressed the importance of the moment for both players. He expressed immense happiness for the recent months’ results and for adding another major title to his 2025 season, which already included Grand Slam and Masters victories.
How Jannik Sinner Reclaimed World No. 1 Ranking
The Paris Masters win propelled the 24-year-old Italian back into the ATP No. 1 spot as per the upcoming rankings release. This marks his 66th career week at the top, resuming a rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz, with whom he’s battling closely for the year-end No. 1 position.
Sinner’s consistent excellence throughout the year, highlighted by titles in the Australian Open, Wimbledon, Beijing, Vienna, and now Paris, demonstrate his all-surface proficiency and mental toughness necessary to hold the top ranking in men’s tennis.
FAQ
Q: What banned substance did Jannik Sinner test positive for?
A: Jannik Sinner tested positive for clostebol, an anabolic steroid, which was traced to contaminated use of a topical cream called Trofodermin.
Q: Did Jannik Sinner face a ban for the positive test?
A: Sinner accepted a three-month ban but successfully appealed initial provisional suspensions. The case is contentious with WADA appealing for a longer ban.
Q: When did Jannik Sinner win the Paris Masters
A: Sinner won the Paris Masters on November 2, 2025, beating Felix Auger-Aliassime in the final.
Q: How many ATP Masters 1000 titles has Jannik Sinner won?
A: With his Paris Masters victory, Sinner has claimed five ATP Masters 1000 titles.
Q: Is Jannik Sinner currently the World No. 1 in men’s tennis?
A: Yes, after his Paris Masters win, he reclaimed the No. 1 ATP ranking starting the following week.
Jannik Sinner’s story in 2025 is a remarkable narrative of resilience, top-tier performance, and navigating through controversy to solidify his place as one of tennis’s leading stars. His triumph at the Paris Masters and return to the world’s top ranking affirm his status among the sport’s elite.
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