Sinner Accepts WADA’s Sanction

LONDON – Top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner has accepted a three-month ban in a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) over his two positive doping tests, the organization announced on Saturday.

WADA had initially sought to ban Sinner for at least one year after challenging a previous ruling by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), which found that his positive test resulted from accidental contamination.

The Doping Case: Accidental Contamination

Sinner tested positive for Clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid, due to what he explained was a massage from a trainer who had used the substance after cutting his own finger. The ITIA had accepted this explanation.

Despite WADA’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the organization has now withdrawn the case and agreed to a three-month suspension instead.

Sinner’s Statement on the Ban

Sinner, 23, who won the Australian Open in January, expressed relief in a statement:

“This case had been hanging over me now 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 realize 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 with a three-month sanction.”

WADA’s Official Statement

WADA acknowledged that:

• Sinner did not intend to cheat
• His exposure to Clostebol provided no performance-enhancing benefit
• The contamination resulted from negligence by his entourage

However, under WADA’s anti-doping code, athletes are responsible for their team’s actions, leading to the reduced three-month suspension.

Ban Duration and Return to Competition

• Suspension Period: February 9 – May 4
• Eligible to Compete Again: May 5
• Possible Return Tournament: Italian Open (May 7)

Legal and Public Reactions

Sinner’s lawyer, Jamie Singer, praised the resolution:

“I am delighted that Jannik can finally put this harrowing experience behind him. WADA has confirmed the facts determined by the Independent Tribunal. It is clear that Jannik had no intent, no knowledge, and gained no competitive advantage. Regrettably, errors made by members of his team led to this situation.”

Meanwhile, Sinner was seen training in Doha, as he posted a video on Instagram ahead of the Qatar Open next week.