The Laureus Academy has withdrawn the nomination of world number one Jannick Sinner for the annual Sportsman of the Year award, citing the Italian's three-month ban for doping.

Sinner, who was suspended earlier this month, tested positive on two separate occasions for the anabolic steroid clostebol. The 23-year-old tennis player said the substance entered his body unintentionally when he was sprayed by his former physiotherapist to treat a hand injury. Sinner's ban expires on May 4, meaning he will be ready for Roland Garros which starts in about two weeks later.

"We are following this case, the decisions of the responsible international organizations and, while taking into account all the circumstances, we believe that the three-month ban makes the nomination impossible. Jannick and his team have been notified", said Laureus Academy president Sean Fitzpatrick.

The Laureus Awards have been handed out since 2000, with nominations determined by global media for individual and team achievements in sports. The nominees for this year's awards will be announced in Madrid on March 3. | BGNES