Top-ranked Jannik Sinner Receives Three-Month Doping Ban
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Synopsis
World No. 1 tennis player Jannik Sinner has accepted a three-month suspension from the World Anti-Doping Agency following a doping violation involving clostebol. The Italian athlete, found with no fault, aims to return to competition in May 2025 after serving his ban.
Key Takeaways
- Jannik Sinner accepts a three-month suspension.
- He tested positive for clostebol in March 2024.
- No fault found; contamination occurred through support staff.
- Allowed to resume training from April 13, 2025.
- Will return to competitive play at Roland Garros.
Montreal, February 15 (NationPress) The world’s top-ranked player, Jannik Sinner, has come to an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), resulting in a three-month suspension for the Italian star.
After an investigation by an independent tribunal from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), Sinner was determined to have no fault or negligence despite testing positive twice for clostebol, a banned substance, in March 2024.
“The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has confirmed that it has reached a resolution agreement regarding the case of Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner, whereby the athlete has accepted a three-month disqualification due to an anti-doping rule violation linked to his positive tests for clostebol in March 2024,” stated WADA.
Sinner explained that the contaminant entered his body through contact with a support staff member who was using an ‘over-the-counter spray’ containing minimal amounts of clostebol, leading to repeated exposure and eventual contamination.
“WADA acknowledges that Sinner did not aim to cheat, and his exposure to clostebol did not enhance his performance, occurring unknowingly due to the negligence of his team members,” the statement elaborated.
The player, who clinched the 2025 Australian Open title in January, will face a three-month suspension starting from February 9 until May 4, having already served four days under provisional suspension, and is permitted to resume training from April 13.
His return on May 4 will enable him to compete in the second Grand Slam of the year at Roland Garros, the venue for the French Open, which is scheduled to take place in Paris, France from May 19 to June 8.
“According to the agreement, Sinner will be ineligible from February 9, 2025, until 11:59 PM on May 4, 2025 (which includes a credit for four days already served during his provisional suspension). Following Code Article 10.14.2, Sinner may recommence official training activities starting April 13, 2025. In light of this case resolution agreement, WADA has officially canceled its appeal to CAS.
