Andre Agassi defends Jannik Sinner in US Open dispute after doping case: “I don’t think he’s cheating”

Top-seeded Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner is competing in the U.S. Open amid a wave of controversy after it was revealed that the 2024 Australian Open winner would not be suspended after testing positive twice for an anabolic steroid in March.

Last week, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced its decision that Sinner was not at fault for two anti-doping violations in March when he tested positive for the prohibited substance clostebol twice within an eight-day period. 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 27: Jannik Sinner of Italy reacts after a point against Mackenzie McDonald of the United States during their men's singles first round match on day two of the 2024 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 27, 2024 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Both times a provisional ban was imposed, but Sinner successfully appealed against both bans and was able to continue competing.

The news came to light after Sinner won the Cincinnati Open and shortly thereafter the US Open, and sparked much speculation in the tennis community as to why the matter was apparently kept under wraps and whether there was a double standard in this case due to his success.

But eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi defended Sinner in a recent interview with Fox News Digital.

“Was that essential? I don't think it was essential, and I don't think he would ever take the risk of using that little of it — that's not possible,” he said. “Nobody would intentionally take that risk. So I believe it.”

The investigation reportedly found that there was less than a billionth of a gram of it in Sinner's body. He said he was contaminated with the substance when his fitness coach in Italy bought an over-the-counter spray containing Clostebol and gave it to Sinner's physical therapist to treat a cut on the physical therapist's finger. The physical therapist then treated Sinner without wearing gloves.

While some players questioned the explanation, others called for a suspension and more consistency. But Agassi disagrees based on the facts in Sinner's case.

“If you're cheating on performance enhancement, you're not going to intentionally put a billionth of a gram of anything into your body. If that's your goal, you're going to benefit from the performance-enhancing drug,” he said.

Agassi urged those who have concerns about the process to focus their attention on the system rather than the player, adding that Sinner's ability to continue playing despite the ongoing process is something that should be afforded to all players.

“It's not like if you miss three Tests or don't play three Tests, you react immediately – like we've seen with some players, right? In any due process, it's always kept quiet unless a player voluntarily wants to talk about it. And his ability to play while it's being appealed is not necessarily a rule, it's a law.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 27: Jannik Sinner of Italy reacts after a point against Mackenzie McDonald of the United States during their men's singles first round match on day two of the 2024 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 27, 2024 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

“It's sad for the sport,” Agassi added. “I never like when news like that comes out. I never like anyone having to go through that. I'm sure it was a terrible time for Jannik to carry the burden of that and I hope everyone tries to resolve an issue; if there is an issue. … I think the sooner we put this behind us the better. This guy is great for the sport and I don't think he's cheating.”

Sinner, 23, insisted he did not intentionally violate the ITIA's anti-doping guidelines and has since separated from the two members of his team at the centre of the controversy.

“Of course, it's not ideal before a Grand Slam,” Sinner said at a press conference before his first-round match. “But in my head I know I didn't do anything wrong. I had to play [for] Months with this topic in my head, but only [was reminding] I can be sure that I have done nothing wrong. I always respect these rules and will always respect these anti-doping rules.”

Sinner reached the second round of the US Open this week after a lackluster win over American Mackenzie McDonald on Tuesday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.