The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) today confirms that Brazilian tennis player Nicolas Zanellato is free to return to play, having provided evidence to satisfy the ITIA that their positive sample for the prohibited substance boldenone came as a result of consuming contaminated meat in Colombia.
Following an investigation, which included interviews, review of detailed documentation, and advice from independent WADA-approved scientists, the ITIA found that Zanellato bore No Fault or Negligence for their Anti-Doping Rule Violation.
Zanellato, who reached a career-high world singles ranking of 458 in April 2024, provided an in-competition sample while competing in an ATP Challenger event in Ibagué, Colombia, on 25 June 2024.
The sample was split into A and B samples and the subsequent analysis found that the A sample contained boldenone at an estimated concentration of 5.1 ng/mL, which is prohibited under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme, in the category of Anabolic Agents (section S1 [1.1] of the 2024 World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List). Boldenone is a non-Specified Substance, and Zanellato did not possess a valid TUE for the substance. Analysis of the B sample confirmed the finding in the A sample.
Zanellato has been provisionally suspended since 12 August 2024, having unsuccessfully appealed its imposition before an independent tribunal chair on 22 August 2024.
Since then, Zanellato subsequently obtained further evidence and documentation in support of their case – which included detailed receipts, and information on the source of meat consumed during a number of visits to an independent restaurant outside of the tournament environment. The ITIA conducted its own parallel investigation into the circumstances, and the explanation was verified as plausible by independent scientific experts.
Following precedent in similar recent cases from other World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sports, the ITIA issued a decision of No Fault or Negligence on 18 February 2025. Zanellato is free to return to play from the date of the written decision.
To read the decision in full, click here.
The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of their professional tennis events.
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Published 20 February 2025 14:00
