The suspension timeline for the world’s top-ranked tennis player, Jannik Sinner, has been defined, with the Italian set to resume official training activities from April 13th, 2025. Sinner’s ban, however, doesn’t prohibit him from wielding his racket for some informal practice prior to this date.
Under the guidelines set by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), a player is allowed to train with their support staff as long as the location isn’t affiliated with any major tennis associations, Grand Slams, or events under the ITIA’s jurisdiction. These regulations were made explicit following the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) assertion that Sinner’s three-month suspension should not only prevent him from professional competition but also limit his training opportunities.
WADA’s formal statement outlined that Sinner’s period of ineligibility falls between February 9, 2025, and 11:59 pm on May 4, 2025. This period includes credit for four days already served by Sinner under a temporary suspension. According to Code Article 10.14.2, he can return to official training from April 13, 2025.
These stipulations imply that Sinner’s partner, professional tennis player Anna Kalinskaya, currently ranked at 19 worldwide, can’t engage in practice sessions or friendly matches with him. Sinner, the 2025 Australian Open champion, is, however, permitted to train on private courts with his team.
Sinner’s coaching staff includes fellow Italian Simone Vagnozzi and celebrated coach Darren Cahill, known for his work with tennis luminaries like Lleyton Hewitt, Simona Halep, and Andre Agassi. Notably, 2025 will mark Cahill’s final year coaching Sinner.
The WADA statement further clarified the circumstances around Sinner’s suspension. The Italian tested positive for the banned substance clostebol in March 2024. However, WADA acknowledges that Sinner did not intentionally cheat. The exposure to the prohibited substance occurred without his knowledge and was a result of negligence by his team members.
Despite this, the athlete is held responsible under the Code for his entourage’s oversight, and in light of this, a three-month suspension is deemed appropriate. Consequently, WADA has withdrawn its appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which could have potentially led to a one or two-year ban from professional competition.
Following the initial announcement of the settlement, Sinner acknowledged his accountability for his team and accepted the three-month sanction, stating his recognition of WADA’s stringent rules as crucial to the integrity of the sport.
In the wake of his suspension, Sinner is slated to participate in the Rome Masters, taking place from May 7th to May 18th. His return to training, as well as his performance post-suspension, will undoubtedly be closely watched by followers of the sport.