Jannik Sinner handed three-month ban « Euro Weekly News

World No.1 Jannik Sinner has been suspended from professional tennis for three months after reaching an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The Italian star tested positive for clostebol in March 2024, but the case was linked to accidental contamination rather than intentional doping. To avoid the risk of a longer ban, Sinner opted for a settlement rather than taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), where he could have faced a suspension of up to two years.

How accidental contamination led to Sinner’s suspension

The positive test came after Sinner’s physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, used an over-the-counter spray containing clostebol to treat a cut on his own hand before massaging the player. The product, purchased by another team member, Umberto Ferrara, left traces of the banned substance in Sinner’s system, leading to two failed drug tests—one at Indian Wells, where he was later stripped of ranking points and prize money, and another eight days later.

Initially, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) ruled that Sinner was not at fault, but WADA challenged the decision, arguing that athletes are responsible for their teams’ actions under anti-doping regulations. The appeal was due to be heard by CAS in April, and had WADA been successful, Sinner could have been banned for up to two years. Instead, he chose to accept a three-month suspension, which WADA deemed appropriate given that he gained no performance advantage and had no intention to cheat.

Sinner, who had immediately dismissed both Naldi and Ferrara when the issue was discovered last year, admitted that the uncertainty surrounding the case had been weighing on him. In a statement, he said he respected WADA’s strict regulations and accepted responsibility for his team’s actions.

How Sinner’s suspension impacts his season

Sinner’s suspension began on February 9, ruling him out of competition until May 4. He is also banned from official training until April 13, disrupting his preparation for the clay-court season. The ban means he will miss two major Masters 1000 tournaments, Indian Wells and the Miami Open, where he was the defending champion, as well as most of the European clay swing.

However, the timing of the suspension allows him to return just in time for the Italian Open in Rome, starting May 7, followed by Roland Garros on May 25. Had he waited for the CAS hearing and received the same three-month ban, he would have been forced to miss both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, returning only in time for the US Open.

Sinner’s suspension disrupts his best season yet

The ban comes at a time when Sinner is at the peak of his career. He won his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January 2024, followed by a US Open victory in September, before successfully defending his Melbourne crown this year. His performances on hard courts have been exceptional, and while this setback disrupts his momentum, he remains a strong favourite to return and compete at the highest level when he steps back on court in May.

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