Jannik Sinner banned for three months due to failed dope test

Jannik Sinner has received a three-month suspension from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which takes effect immediately. The Italian player, currently ranked World No. 1, has agreed to a period of ineligibility from February 9 to May 4. Although he will be eligible to compete in the French Open, Sinner will be unable to defend his title at the 2024 Miami Open.

Sinner initially tested positive for low levels of clostebol back in March 2024. An independent panel from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) concluded that the prohibited substance had been administered unintentionally by his physiotherapist. Consequently, the Italian player was exonerated of any misconduct and permitted to continue his professional career. Nevertheless, Sinner lost his points and prize money earned at the Indian Wells tournament in 2024.

The World Anti-Doping Agency lodged an appeal against the ITIA's ruling that cleared Sinner of any wrongdoing in September, bringing the matter before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). WADA aimed to impose a suspension of up to two years on the Italian. The hearing for this case is scheduled to take place on April 16 at the CAS.

The World Anti-Doping Agency acknowledged on Saturday that the 23-year-old did not intend to cheat and recognized that he was unknowingly given clostebol by his physiotherapist. WADA has entered into a resolution agreement in line with the World Anti-Doping Code. Consequently, WADA has withdrawn its appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Sinner will now miss the ATP 500 events in Doha and Dubai this month. He will also be unable to play Masters events at Indian Wells, Monte-Carlo, and Madrid, besides being unable to defend his title in Miami. His suspension concludes merely three days prior to the commencement of the ATP 1000 event in Rome.

The ban imposed on the Italian player allows his competitors to close the gap, as Sinner is set to forfeit 2000 ATP points over the next three months. Currently, the World No. 1 holds a lead of 3195 points over World No. 2, Alexander Zverev. Sinner has also seen a reduction of 500 points due to his choice not to defend his title from the 2024 Rotterdam tournament.

Cover Credits - BBC