World number one tennis player Jannik Sinner has accepted a three-month suspension following a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The ban comes after Sinner tested positive twice for clostebol, a prohibited substance, in March 2024.
Despite an independent tribunal of the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) finding no fault or negligence on Sinner's part, WADA pursued the case, leading to the current agreement.
The substance entered Sinner's system inadvertently through contact with a support staff member who had been using an over-the-counter spray containing clostebol. Repeated massages by this staff member resulted in contamination.
WADA acknowledged that Sinner did not intend to cheat and that the exposure did not enhance his performance. The agency attributed the incident to the negligence of Sinner's entourage.
The suspension commenced on February 9, 2025, and will conclude on May 4, 2025. Sinner is permitted to resume official training on April 13, 2025.
This timeline allows him to participate in the French Open, scheduled from May 19 to June 8, 2025. However, he will miss significant tournaments, including the Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, and Madrid.
The timing of the suspension has raised eyebrows within the tennis community. Former British player Tim Henman commented on the convenient scheduling, suggesting it appears strategically placed between major tournaments.
Australian player Nick Kyrgios also expressed his views, highlighting the leniency of the ban and its minimal impact on Sinner's season.
Sinner, who secured the Australian Open title in January 2025, expressed relief at the resolution of the case. He emphasized his commitment to clean sport and the importance of vigilance regarding substances used by his team.
The incident has prompted discussions about the responsibilities of athletes' support teams and the potential consequences of their actions.
In light of the settlement, WADA has withdrawn its appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The agency reiterated the importance of athlete awareness and the need for stringent checks to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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