Top-ranked Italian tennis player, Jannik Sinner, has agreed to a three-month suspension following two positive tests for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol nearly a year ago.
The World Anti-Doping Agency had sought a minimum one-year ban but accepted Sinner’s explanation that the substance entered his system through accidental contamination from a trainer’s treatment.
The suspension runs from February 9 to May 4, allowing Sinner to return in time for the French Open starting May 25.
Sinner expressed relief that the case, which had been ongoing for nearly a year, has been resolved.
He acknowledged his responsibility for his team’s actions and the importance of WADA’s strict rules in protecting the sport.
WADA accepted that Sinner did not intend to cheat and gained no performance-enhancing benefit, attributing the violation to negligence by his entourage.
The Italian Tennis and Padel Federation president described the case as a “shameful injustice” but noted that the ban marks “the end of a nightmare” for Sinner.
The suspension means Sinner will miss several key tournaments, including the Miami Open, Indian Wells, Madrid Open, and Monte Carlo Masters.
Despite the ban, he is expected to return at his home tournament, the Italian Open in Rome, starting May 7.
Critics, including fellow players Nick Kyrgios and Tim Henman, have questioned the leniency and timing of the suspension, suggesting it appears “too convenient.”
Sinner’s lawyer emphasized that Sinner had no intent to violate anti-doping rules and gained no competitive advantage, attributing the situation to errors made by his team.
Sinner accepts three-month ban from tennis after doping case settlement
Top-ranked Italian tennis player, Jannik Sinner, has agreed to a three-month suspension following two positive tests for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol nearly a year ago.
The World Anti-Doping Agency had sought a minimum one-year ban but accepted Sinner’s explanation that the substance entered his system through accidental contamination from a trainer’s treatment.
The suspension runs from February 9 to May 4, allowing Sinner to return in time for the French Open starting May 25.
Sinner expressed relief that the case, which had been ongoing for nearly a year, has been resolved.
He acknowledged his responsibility for his team’s actions and the importance of WADA’s strict rules in protecting the sport.
WADA accepted that Sinner did not intend to cheat and gained no performance-enhancing benefit, attributing the violation to negligence by his entourage.
The Italian Tennis and Padel Federation president described the case as a “shameful injustice” but noted that the ban marks “the end of a nightmare” for Sinner.
The suspension means Sinner will miss several key tournaments, including the Miami Open, Indian Wells, Madrid Open, and Monte Carlo Masters.
Despite the ban, he is expected to return at his home tournament, the Italian Open in Rome, starting May 7.
Critics, including fellow players Nick Kyrgios and Tim Henman, have questioned the leniency and timing of the suspension, suggesting it appears “too convenient.”
Sinner’s lawyer emphasized that Sinner had no intent to violate anti-doping rules and gained no competitive advantage, attributing the situation to errors made by his team.
