The current Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour world number one Jannik Sinner has accepted a 3-month ban for failing dope tests at the Indian Wells Masters last year. Sinner had tested positive for the banned substance ‘clostebol.’ The Italian and his team had alleged that he tested positive due to the negligence of his physiotherapist, who used an over-the-counter spray that contained clostebol for a cut on his hand.
Jannik Sinner’s initial ruling and WADA contesting ban
The news caused chaos in the tennis world, and Sinner was subsequently docked 400 points, fined $320,000, and was provisionally suspended (from April 4 to 5 and April 17 to 20) by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). Sinner had contested his case and was cleared by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) later in the year.
However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) challenged the CAS’ decision. His hearing date was set on February 11. This worked well for Sinner, who lifted his third Grand Slam in January, the Australia Open 2025. He could have been banned from 3 to 24 months and in the end has received the bare minimum following a settlement with WADA.
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Sinner banned from February 9 to May 4
Sinner won’t be able to play from February 9 to May 4. That may be the reason why he skipped the Rotterdam Open (February 3 to 9), where he was the defending champion. Sinner will also miss the Sunshine Doubles (Miami and Indian Wells Masters) and the majority of the clay swing (Monte Carlo, Barcelona/Munich, and Madrid). But will be able to play in the Rome Masters and, most importantly, the French Open.
“This case had been hanging over me for nearly a year, and the process still had a long time to run with a decision maybe only at the end of the year. I have always accepted that I am responsible for my team and realise WADA’s strict rules are an important protection for the sport I love. On that basis I have accepted Wada’s offer to resolve these proceedings on the basis of a three-month sanction,” Sinner said in a statement.
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