LONDON — Jannik Sinner’s nomination for the prestigious Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award has been withdrawn following the revelation of his three-month ban due to two doping violations nearly a year ago. This decision was made public on Thursday.
The chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy, Sean Fitzpatrick, explained in a statement that the decision was influenced by the Italian tennis player’s agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
“After careful consideration and discussion within the Laureus Academy, it has been determined that Jannik Sinner’s candidacy for the current year’s Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award will be revoked,” Fitzpatrick stated.
“We have reviewed the case, considered the actions of the relevant global authorities, and, despite recognizing the mitigating factors, we believe that the imposed three-month ban makes the nomination ineligible. Jannik and his team have been notified of this decision.”
Both Sinner and WADA publicized the settlement on February 15. WADA had initially aimed to exclude the three-time Grand Slam champion from the sport for a minimum of one year. This was after challenging an earlier decision by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), which chose not to suspend Sinner. This decision was based on their assessment that the banned anabolic steroid contamination was accidental, occurring last March.
Sinner’s defense claimed that the traces of Clostebol found in his sample were due to a masseur using the substance after injuring himself, and this explanation had been accepted by the authorities.
Fortunately for the 23-year-old tennis star from Italy, the timing of the ban means he will not miss any Grand Slam events. The French Open, which is the next major tournament, is scheduled to commence on May 25.
Previously, the Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award for 2023 was won by Novak Djokovic, whereas Spanish footballer Aitana Bonmatí was honored as the best sportswoman. The nominations for the forthcoming awards will be revealed in Madrid on Monday.
