World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has been removed from the shortlist for the prestigious Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award following his three-month doping ban, the Laureus Academy confirmed on Thursday, MySportDab Reports.
Sinner, 23, tested positive for the banned anabolic agent clostebol in March 2024. He claimed the substance entered his system through massages and sports therapy from a member of his support team. His ban, which he accepted earlier this month, runs until May 4.
Laureus Academy Chairman Sean Fitzpatrick announced the decision in a letter to nomination panel members, stating, “While we note the extenuating circumstances, the three-month ban renders the nomination ineligible.”
Sinner, who successfully defended his Australian Open title last month, failed two drug tests in March but continued competing while appealing his case.
His positive tests were revealed just before the US Open, sparking controversy as he was allowed to play despite ongoing proceedings.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) initially sought a longer suspension, appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to impose a ban of up to two years. However, a settlement saw Sinner accept a three-month suspension, leading WADA to withdraw its appeal.
Sinner will return in time for the French Open and follows women’s world No. 2 Iga Swiatek, who accepted a one-month doping ban in November.
