Top Tennis Pro Jannik Sinner Agrees to 3-Month Suspension After Doping Scandal

Last March, Jannik Sinner, the world’s top-ranked tennis player, was found to have a banned substance in his system on two separate occasions.

Jannik Sinner and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have concluded a three-month suspension agreement following his violation of anti-doping regulations. These violations were identified from two positive tests for a prohibited substance nearly a year ago.

The tennis star and three-time Grand Slam winner was tested positive for the anabolic steroid Clostebol during the Indian Wells Masters 1000 tournament and again a week later out of competition. Sinner attributed the presence of the steroid in his body to an accident. He claimed his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, inadvertently transferred the substance to him while treating a cut on his hand with a Clostebol-infused healing spray before massaging Sinner.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency sanctioned Sinner in August, but it accepted his explanation and allowed him to continue competing.

Nevertheless, WADA challenged this decision in September, pushing for a minimum one-year ban. A hearing was scheduled for April, but on Saturday, it was revealed that a settlement had been reached with Sinner and his representatives.

Part of WADA’s statement acknowledged, “WADA accepts the athlete’s explanation for the cause of the violation as stated in the initial decision. WADA agrees that Mr. Sinner had no intention of cheating, gained no performance advantage from this exposure, and that it occurred without his knowledge due to negligence by his support team.”

However, it was also noted that, “Under the Code and following [Court of Arbitration for Sport] precedent, an athlete is responsible for their support team’s negligence. Given the unique circumstances of this case, a three-month suspension is deemed appropriate.”

Sinner responded to the decision, stating, “This issue has been looming over me for nearly a year, and with the process potentially dragging on until year’s end, I’ve accepted WADA’s offer to settle these proceedings with a 3-month sanction.”

“I recognize my responsibility for my team and understand the importance of WADA’s strict regulations to protect the sport I love,” he added.

Sinner will be eligible to return to competition on May 4, well in time for the French Open starting on May 25, and he can begin training as early as April 13.

Earlier in January, Sinner clinched the Australian Open title by defeating Alexander Zverev in the final.

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