Monaco resident and world number one tennis player Jannik Sinner has accepted a three-month ban for an unintentional doping violation, but will return to compete in the Italian Open and French Open this May…
The 23-year-old Italian tested positive for clostebol last March, an anabolic steroid, which he attributed to accidental contamination from a spray used by his physiotherapist to treat a cut. Despite initially being cleared by an independent tribunal in August, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the decision, arguing that Sinner was ultimately responsible for his team’s negligence.
Sinner, who won both the Australian and US Opens in 2024, has always maintained his innocence, stating that the amount of clostebol detected was less than a billionth of a gram and had no performance-enhancing impact. To avoid prolonged legal proceedings, Sinner agreed to the three-month sanction, which will end on May 4, 2025. This allows him to return in time for key tournaments in Rome and Paris.
While WADA acknowledged that Sinner had no intention of cheating and gained no competitive advantage, the ban has triggered strong reactions in the tennis world. Australian player Nick Kyrgios called it a “sad day for tennis,” highlighting concerns about fairness in the sport. Others, including Roger Federer, have expressed support for Sinner, stating they believe he acted without wrongdoing.
Despite this setback, Sinner remains focused on the future and is committed to returning to the court. “I have always accepted responsibility for my team and realise WADA’s strict rules are an important protection for the sport I love,” he said. Fans in Monaco and around the world will be watching as Sinner aims to reclaim his place on the international tennis stage.
PHOTO: Jannik Sinner
