Jannik Sinner, the world’s number one tennis player, has had his nomination for the prestigious Laureus Sportsman of the Year award withdrawn. The decision follows a three-month suspension after the Italian tested positive for a banned substance twice in March 2024.
Laureus Committee Announces Decision
Sean Fitzpatrick, chairman of the Laureus awards body and former New Zealand rugby star, confirmed the withdrawal.
“Following discussions by the Laureus Academy, it has been decided that Jannik Sinner’s nomination for this year’s Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award is to be withdrawn,” Fitzpatrick stated. “We have reviewed the case and the decisions made by global sporting bodies. While we recognize the extenuating circumstances, the three-month ban makes him ineligible.”
Sinner and his team have been officially informed of the decision.
Doping Violation and Suspension
The 23-year-old tennis star, who won the 2023 US Open and 2024 Australian Open, tested positive for traces of clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid, twice in March last year. In February 2025, he accepted a three-month suspension, acknowledging “partial responsibility” for mistakes made by his team that led to the violations.
His suspension is set to end on May 4, allowing him to return in time for the French Open, one of the year’s four Grand Slam tournaments.
Laureus Awards History
Since 2000, the Laureus awards have been presented annually by a jury of 69 sports legends from the Laureus Academy. The Sportsman of the Year award recognizes exceptional athletic achievements. In 2024, Novak Djokovic won the title for a record-breaking fifth time.
Sinner’s setback marks a difficult chapter in his rising career, but he will have a chance to rebuild his reputation when he returns to competitive tennis in May.
