Jannik Sinner Dropped from Laureus Sportsman of the Year Nomination After Doping Ban

Jannik Sinner's nomination for the prestigious Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award has been officially withdrawn after the Italian tennis star received a three-month suspension for two failed drug tests. The decision was confirmed on Thursday by Laureus Academy chairman Sean Fitzpatrick.

Sinner, currently ranked world number one and the reigning champion of both the US Open and Australian Open, tested positive for traces of the banned anabolic steroid clostebol in March 2024.

Despite acknowledging the circumstances surrounding the case, the Laureus Academy ultimately deemed his nomination ineligible due to his suspension.

"After reviewing the case and the decisions of the relevant governing bodies, the Laureus Academy has determined that Jannik Sinner's nomination will be withdrawn," Fitzpatrick stated. "While we recognize the extenuating circumstances involved, the three-month ban does not align with our eligibility criteria."

The 23-year-old Italian agreed to serve a three-month suspension earlier this month, accepting partial responsibility for errors made by his team that led to the positive tests. His suspension, which began earlier in the year, will conclude on May 4, just in time for him to participate in the French Open, the second Grand Slam of the season.

Sinner's exclusion from the Laureus Award comes as a significant setback in what has otherwise been a stellar year for the young tennis sensation. Having established himself as a dominant force on the ATP Tour, he was widely considered a strong contender for the prestigious award. The Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award has been one of the most esteemed honors in the sporting world since its inception in 2000, with a panel of 69 renowned athletes forming the Laureus Academy to select the winners.

Last year, Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic secured the Sportsman of the Year title for a record fifth time. With Sinner's removal from the nomination list, this year's award will now be contested by the remaining shortlisted athletes.