Top Tennis Star Sinner Accepts Ban Following Doping Settlement

Tennis world number one Jannik Sinner has accepted a three-month doping ban following a positive test for a banned substance. The World Anti-Doping Agency reached a settlement with Sinner after initially appealing a decision to clear him. He will be eligible to return before the French Open.

Tennis world number one Jannik Sinner has accepted a three-month suspension due to a doping violation. The ban follows a positive test result for a prohibited substance last year and comes after an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency, as announced on Saturday.

Initially, WADA had appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to overturn an independent tribunal's decision in August, which had cleared Sinner of any wrongdoing despite his failed drug tests. Sinner's positive result for the anabolic agent clostebol was explained as unintentional, due to transmission from a support team member during massages and sports therapy. The appeal was scheduled for a hearing in April.

WADA declared that Sinner's ineligibility period will be from 9 February 2025 to 11:59 pm on 4 May 2025, allowing him to return before the French Open. Additionally, he is eligible for official training resumption from 13 April 2025. The appeal to CAS has been formally withdrawn after a settlement was achieved.