Jannik Sinner Accepts Three-Month Ban Amid Doping Settlement

World number one Jannik Sinner has accepted a three-month doping ban after testing positive for clostebol, following a settlement with WADA. The ban, due to entourage negligence, ends in May, just in time for the French Open. WADA acknowledges no intent to cheat from Sinner.

World tennis number one, Jannik Sinner, has agreed to a three-month doping suspension following an unexpected settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), allowing him to return in time for the French Open. WADA had initially challenged an earlier decision acquitting Sinner of anti-doping violations.

Despite defending his Australian Open title successfully, Sinner tested positive for the banned substance clostebol. He claims the substance was transferred to him unintentionally through massages from his support team. The suspension commenced on February 9 and concludes on May 4, with training permissions granted by April 13.

Ahead of a scheduled April hearing with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, WADA withdrew its appeal following the settlement, emphasizing Sinner's lack of intent to cheat and the absence of performance benefits. Sinner acknowledged the importance of WADA's rules for maintaining the integrity of tennis and accepted the penalty.

(With inputs from agencies.)