Tennis world No. 1 Jannik Sinner has been slapped with a three-month ban following a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
The ban, which runs from February 9 to May 4, 2025, comes after Sinner tested positive for a banned substance last year. While the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) found no fault or negligence on his part, WADA appealed the ruling—seeking a potential suspension of up to two years.
However, after negotiations, WADA and Sinner reached a case resolution agreement, with WADA acknowledging that the Italian had no intent to cheat and did not gain any performance-enhancing benefit.
“WADA accepts that Mr. Sinner did not intend to cheat and that his exposure to clostebol took place without his knowledge due to negligence by members of his entourage,” WADA’s statement read.
Despite this, WADA emphasized that under the anti-doping code, an athlete remains responsible for their entourage’s actions, which is why a suspension was still enforced.
What This Means for Sinner’s Season
While Sinner will miss several key tournaments, the good news for the Italian is that he’ll be back in time for the French Open (starting May 25) and the Italian Open in Rome (starting May 7).
Tournaments Sinner Will Miss:
❌ Qatar Open (Doha)
❌ Indian Wells Open
❌ Miami Open
❌ Monte-Carlo Masters (which he had already planned to skip)
❌ Madrid Open
❌ Munich Open
Despite the suspension, Sinner will retain his World No. 1 ranking, though he is expected to lose it during his period of ineligibility.
Germany’s Alexander Zverev, currently ranked No. 2, will need to collect 2,500 points at the upcoming ATP Masters 1000 events to overtake him.
A Controversial Outcome?
Sinner’s suspension is unique because it does not implicate him directly but rather places blame on his team.
WADA acknowledged that Sinner’s positive test was the result of negligence by his entourage, not doping with intent.
While some fans believe the punishment is too lenient, others argue that the entire process was unfair to begin with, considering ITIA’s initial decision to clear Sinner.
Regardless, Sinner now has time to regroup, train, and prepare for his return—where he’ll have a major point to prove.
What’s Next for Sinner?
Although he’s forced to sit out for three months, Sinner can resume training on April 13—giving him just enough time to prepare for the Italian Open and French Open.
The real question? Can he pick up where he left off and reclaim his dominance after a forced layoff?
Only time will tell—but one thing is for sure: Sinner’s comeback at Roland Garros will be one of the biggest storylines of the 2025 season.