Jannik Sinner has agreed to a three-month suspension from tennis to resolve a long-standing doping case after testing positive twice for a banned substance, as confirmed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on Saturday.
The world’s No. 1 player will be banned from February 9 to May 4, following two positive tests for Clostebol, a prohibited anabolic steroid, in March 2024. This means he will still be eligible to compete in the French Open, which takes place after the ban ends.
Previously, Sinner avoided a suspension when the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) concluded in August that he was not at fault for the positive results. The two samples taken eight days apart at Indian Wells showed only trace amounts of Clostebol.
In an August social media post, Sinner explained that the contamination was unintentional, caused by Clostebol exposure through his physiotherapist’s use of an over-the-counter spray on their own skin to treat a small wound, not on Sinner himself.
WADA had initially appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following an independent tribunal’s decision in Jannik Sinner’s case. However, after reaching a settlement with Sinner, WADA announced on Saturday that it has officially withdrawn its appeal to CAS.
In its statement, WADA acknowledged that Sinner did not intentionally cheat and that his exposure to Clostebol did not enhance his performance. The contamination occurred without his knowledge due to the negligence of his entourage. Despite this, WADA emphasized that athletes are responsible for the actions of their team, according to the Code and CAS precedent. Given the unique circumstances, a three-month suspension was deemed appropriate.
Sinner, a three-time Grand Slam champion, took full responsibility for the actions of his team and expressed relief that the matter had been resolved. He recognized the importance of WADA’s strict regulations in protecting the sport and accepted the three-month sanction.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed that WADA’s decision aligned with their initial findings, which stated the breach was unintentional. The three-month suspension was reached through mutual agreement between WADA and Sinner.
Sinner’s lawyer, Jamie Singer, expressed satisfaction with the resolution, noting that the facts supported by the independent tribunal were upheld. He emphasized that Sinner had no intent, no knowledge, and did not gain any competitive advantage. The situation was caused by errors made by members of Sinner’s team.
