Doping Ban: Jannik Sinner to Return to Training in April, Eligible for French Open in May
Wada and Sinner Reach Settlement on Three-Month Doping Ban
MONTREAL: World number one Jannik Sinner has accepted an immediate three-month doping ban after the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) said they had reached a settlement on his period of ineligibility, making him eligible to return before the French Open in May.
Background of the Case
Sinner, a three-times major winner, had tested positive for anabolic agent clostebol, which he said had entered his system from a member of his support team through massages and sports therapy. Wada had appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against an independent tribunal’s decision in August to clear Sinner of wrongdoing.
Terms of the Settlement
Sinner’s ban began on February 9 and will end on May 4, while he can return to training on April 13. The French Open main draw is scheduled to begin on May 25. Wada has withdrawn its appeal to CAS and the player has accepted the three-month period of ineligibility for an anti-doping rule violation.
Wada’s Statement
Wada confirms that it has entered into a case resolution agreement in the case of Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner, with the player accepting a three-month period of ineligibility for an anti-doping rule violation. Wada accepts that Mr. Sinner did not intend to cheat and that his exposure to clostebol did not provide any performance-enhancing benefit and took place without his knowledge as the result of negligence of members of his entourage.
Sinner’s Response
"This case had been hanging over me now 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," Sinner said in a statement. "I have always accepted that I am responsible for my team and realise 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."
Reactions from Other Players
Australian Nick Kyrgios, who had said the two doping incidents were ‘disgusting’ for the sport, said it was a "sad day for tennis" after several other players received longer bans for similar positive tests. "Obviously Sinner’s team have done everything in their power to just go ahead and take a three-month ban, no titles lost, no prize money lost," Kyrgios wrote on social media platform X. "Guilty or not? Sad day for tennis. Fairness in tennis does not exist."
Conclusion
The settlement between Wada and Sinner brings an end to a year-long saga that had threatened to tarnish the reputation of the 22-year-old Italian. While Sinner has accepted a three-month ban, his team has escaped any further penalties, sparking criticism from other players who feel that the punishment is too lenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long will Jannik Sinner’s doping ban last?
Jannik Sinner’s doping ban will last for three months, from February 9 to May 4. - When can Jannik Sinner return to training?
Jannik Sinner can return to training on April 13. - Will Jannik Sinner be eligible for the French Open?
Yes, Jannik Sinner will be eligible to compete in the French Open, which is scheduled to begin on May 25.