23-year-old Jannikl Sinner has copped a lenient three-month ban by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), with the suspension set to end on the 4 May.
Sinner tested positive twice in March 2024 for a banned anabolic steroid called clostebol, which is used to build muscle mass. The Italian explained that his physiotherapist used the substance on a cut on his finger before subsequently giving him the treatment.
He later fired the physiotherapist and trainer Umberto Ferrara, who had been collecting the substance over the counter for Sinner.
In a statement released by his lawyers, Sinner said: “This case had been hanging over me 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 on the basis of a three-month sanction.”
WADA also informed Sinner that he can begin training on the 13th of April. He will only get back to competitive tennis at the Italian Open which begins on 7 of May although he will miss much of the build-up to the French Open.
Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios could not hide his disappointment on the ban and posted something on X . Suggesting that the punishment is lenient and indicative of favoritism.
“So wada come out and say it would be a 1-2 year ban. Obviously sinners (sic) team have done everything in their power to just go ahead and take a 3 month ban, no titles lost, no prize money lost. Guilty or not? Sad day for tennis. Fairness in tennis does not exist.”
