Patrick McEnroe Defends Jannik Sinner Amid Doping Suspension Controversy

Sinner Suspended Following Clostebol Violation

World No 1 Jannik Sinner is currently serving a three-month suspension after reaching a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in February 2024.

The Italian tested positive twice for the banned substance clostebol in March 2024. Although the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) initially announced the violation in August 2024, Sinner was cleared of any fault or negligence after a successful appeal.

The ITIA concluded that the banned substance entered Sinner’s system due to accidental contamination by a team member.

WADA’s Appeal and Settlement Outcome

In September 2024, WADA launched an appeal against the leniency of the ruling, requesting a review by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The appeal was scheduled for April 2025 and could have led to a two-year suspension.

However, in February 2025, both parties reached a settlement, resulting in a reduced three-month ban.

Return Date and Missed Tournaments

Sinner’s suspension began in early February and is set to conclude on May 4, 2025. He is expected to make his return at the Italian Open later that week.

So far, he has missed key events including:

• Indian Wells Masters

• Miami Open

• Monte Carlo Masters

• Madrid Open (ends as his suspension finishes)

McEnroe: “He Was Innocent”

Former doubles Grand Slam champion and ATP star Patrick McEnroe has spoken out in strong defense of the Italian. Speaking to Tennis, the Hall of Fame president said:

“I don’t think he should have been suspended. They went through the process exactly as it was meant to go.”

McEnroe added:

“I’m not saying it isn’t possible that players have figured out how to beat the system. But if you go by what we know, and what the proper protocols were, he was innocent.”

“The argument that other players were treated badly, and therefore we should treat him badly, is absurd.”

Still Leading the ATP Race

Despite not competing since his Australian Open victory in January, Sinner remains No 1 in the ATP Race to Turin.

Rivals like Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz have struggled to capitalize on his absence, and Sinner maintains a significant lead atop the rankings.