Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner, the world’s top-ranked player, has accepted a three-month suspension following a doping controversy that has loomed over his career for nearly a year. The ban stems from two positive tests for clostebol, a prohibited anabolic steroid, in March 2024. Despite the suspension, Sinner will return in time for the French Open, which begins on May 25.
Sinner’s explanation for the doping violation was accepted by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). He claimed the trace amounts of clostebol entered his system due to accidental contamination during a massage. His physiotherapist reportedly used a spray containing the substance to treat a personal injury before handling Sinner.
Initially, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) found no fault or negligence on Sinner’s part, avoiding any suspension. However, WADA appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), ultimately leading to the settlement agreement. While acknowledging Sinner’s lack of intent and absence of competitive advantage from the substance, WADA emphasized that athletes are accountable for their entourage’s mistakes under anti-doping rules.
The ban runs from February 9 to May 4, allowing Sinner to resume official training by April 13. Despite this setback, Sinner remains committed to his sport and has expressed understanding of WADA’s strict regulations to protect tennis integrity.
This resolution ensures that Sinner retains his results and titles earned before the ban. With three Grand Slam victories and numerous accolades, he is expected to return stronger and continue his dominance in tennis.
