This week, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced that Brazilian tennis player Nicolas Zanellato has been exonerated in a doping case. His positive test for an anabolic steroid was attributed to the consumption of contaminated meat during a tournament in Colombia. This ruling allows Zanellato to resume competition following a provisional six-month suspension.
The ITIA’s decision, disclosed on Thursday, indicated that Zanellato was not found at fault for the anti-doping violation. Their conclusion stemmed from interviews, a thorough review of documentation, and assessments from independent scientists approved by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
In a related development, WADA recently concluded its appeal regarding the case of Jannik Sinner, the current top player in ATP rankings, by accepting a three-month suspension as part of an agreement with the Italian player.
Zanellato, who reached his highest singles ranking of No. 458 in April 2024, has accumulated over $45,000 in career earnings from both singles and doubles matches, as indicated by ATP records. In June 2024, he tested positive for boldenone, a prohibited anabolic steroid, while participating in an ATP Challenger event held in Ibague, Colombia. Boldenone has garnered attention for its association with doping violations in various sports, particularly minor league baseball.
Initially sanctioned in August, Zanellato’s ban was challenged, but his appeal was rejected later that same month. The ITIA detailed that he maintained his innocence regarding the deliberate use of boldenone. He argued that he likely ingested meat tainted with the substance in Colombia, where it’s known to be used as a growth promoter in livestock.
Zanellato was able to gather additional evidence, including receipts and details about the restaurant where he dined outside the tournament environment. The ITIA accepted this evidence as credible, suggesting it was more probable that the boldenone found in his system originated from the beef he consumed shortly before his sample was collected.
The ITIA also mentioned that independent scientific experts verified Zanellato’s explanation as plausible. Consequently, he was cleared of wrongdoing, regaining eligibility to participate in tennis competitions effective immediately.
A note included in the ruling clarified that not every instance of meat contamination, whether involving Colombian beef or otherwise, automatically results in a conclusion of no fault or negligence.
