'I accept accountability': Sinner agrees to three-month suspension to uphold tennis integrity
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Synopsis
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has taken accountability for a three-month suspension from tennis due to a doping case. Opting for a settlement with WADA, he aims to protect the sport's integrity while ensuring his return for the French Open.
Key Takeaways
- Sinner accepts three-month ban to maintain integrity.
- Chosen settlement with WADA over prolonged legal battle.
- Proved accidental contamination led to positive tests.
- Ban is from February 9 to May 4, 2023.
- Will return to training on April 13, 2023.
New Delhi, Feb 15 (NationPress) World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has stated his rationale for accepting a three-month ban from tennis after a lengthy doping investigation. Sinner chose to accept a three-month suspension from tennis, reaching a settlement with WADA instead of engaging in a prolonged legal confrontation.
The 2025 Australian Open champion, who encountered two positive tests for clostebol due to inadvertent contamination, is set to return in time for the French Open.
“This case has been a burden on me for almost a year, and the process was expected to take much longer, potentially concluding only at the end of the year,” Sinner was cited by The Independent as stating.
“I have always acknowledged my responsibility for my team and understand that WADA's stringent regulations serve as a crucial safeguard for the sport I cherish. Therefore, I have agreed to WADA’s proposal to settle these proceedings with a three-month penalty.
The men’s world No. 1 had two positive tests for the prohibited substance clostebol last March but was initially exonerated by both the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) and an independent tribunal. Sinner successfully demonstrated that he was accidentally contaminated by a physiotherapist using an over-the-counter spray that contained trace amounts of the substance.
Despite being allowed to continue competing and even winning his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open in January 2024, WADA contested the ITIA's decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Opting to avoid an extended legal struggle, Sinner decided to settle and accept the reduced suspension.
The ban, effective from February 9 to May 4, includes four days already served under provisional suspension. He will be permitted to resume training from April 13. This schedule ensures that Sinner will be ready to participate at Roland Garros, the second Grand Slam of the year, which takes place from May 19 to June 8 in Paris, France.
