In accordance with the terms of the settlement reached with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Jannik Sinner has agreed to serve a three-month suspension from the sport of tennis.
According to BBC Sport, Sinner, who was 23 years old at the time, performed two positive drug tests in 2024. Specifically, he tested positive for low levels of the metabolite clostebol, which is a steroid that is used to build muscle.
He returned a second positive test for low levels of the same substance, which is used in products to treat swelling and irritation. This was eight days after the first positive test with the same substance.
A provisional suspension was imposed, but the Italian was able to successfully challenge the suspension, which meant that he was allowed to continue playing for the team.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) discovered that Sinner was contaminated with the substance by his physiotherapist. This was due to the fact that the physiotherapist had been applying an over-the-counter spray to a cut in his own hand in Italy prior to administering treatments to the tennis star.
It was accepted by the ITIA as an explanation.
On the other hand, it was reported on Saturday morning that Sinner had reached a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). This means that he will be suspended from February 9 until May 4, and this suspension will be enforced immediately.
Due to the fact that he won the Australian Open just a month ago, he will be qualified to compete in the Grand Slam tournaments that are being held this year.
On May 25, 2025, the French Open will begin its competition, making it the first of the four major tournaments.
According to a statement that was issued by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), “WADA accepts the athlete’s explanation for the cause of the violation as outlined in the first instance decision.”
“The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) acknowledges that Mr. Sinner did not intend to cheat, and that his exposure to clostebol did not provide any performance-enhancing benefit. Furthermore, it occurred without his knowledge as a result of the negligence of members of his entourage.
Nevertheless, in accordance with the Code and in accordance with the precedent set by the CAS, an athlete is subject to responsibility for the negligence of their entourage. In light of the one-of-a-kind circumstances surrounding this case, it has been determined that a suspension for a period of three months makes the most sense.
The statement that Sinner’s attorneys issued was also a means by which he expressed his opinion.
“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,” according to the statement made available by BBC Sport.
“I have always acknowledged that I am responsible for my team, and I am aware that the stringent rules that Wada has in place are an essential safeguard for the sport that I feel so passionate about. It is for this reason that I have decided to accept Wada’s offer to settle these proceedings on the basis of a sanction that will last for three months.
It is anticipated that Sinner will be permitted to resume “official training activity” on April 13.
