Tennis has been rocked by Jannik Sinner’s three-month doping ban, but the fallout may be even bigger than the suspension itself. Stan Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion and one of the sport’s elder statesmen, didn’t hold back, calling out tennis authorities and casting doubt on the integrity of the sport in a fiery social media outburst.
“I don’t believe in a clean sport anymore,” Wawrinka posted on X (formerly Twitter), reacting to the stunning revelation that the current World No. 1 would serve just three months after testing positive for clostebol, a banned substance, in two separate tests last spring.
Sinner accepted a “settlement” with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), allowing him to return just in time for Roland Garros in May—a detail that left players, analysts, and fans shaking their heads in disbelief.
Nick Kyrgios Joins the Chorus of Criticism
It didn’t take long for Nick Kyrgios—never one to stay silent on controversy—to weigh in. The 2022 Wimbledon finalist fired back with a simple but powerful reply to Wawrinka’s post:
“You and me both.”
But Kyrgios wasn’t done. He then called the Sinner-WADA agreement a “sad day for tennis”, claiming that double standards were at play.
“So WADA come out and say it would be a 1-2 year ban. Obviously, Sinner’s team have done everything in their power to just go ahead and take a 3-month ban—no titles lost, no prize money lost. Guilty or not? Sad day for tennis. Fairness in tennis does not exist.”
The Australian firebrand’s comments echo a growing frustration in the tennis world, as many feel Sinner’s status as the sport’s top-ranked player shielded him from a harsher punishment.
A Convenient Suspension? Timing Raises Eyebrows
Former British No. 1 Tim Henman also spoke out, questioning how the case was handled and whether the punishment was negotiated.
“I don’t think there’s any way he was trying to cheat… but when I read this statement, it just seems a little too convenient. The words like ‘agreement’ and ‘settlement’—it almost seems like a negotiation.”
Henman pointed out that the timing couldn’t have been better for Sinner.
- He just won the Australian Open.
- He misses three months, a period where he wasn’t defending major points.
- He returns just in time for Roland Garros, fully rested and without losing prize money or ranking points.
“It leaves a pretty sour taste for the sport,” Henman concluded.
How Did We Get Here? A Look at the Sinner Case
Sinner, the reigning Australian Open champion, failed two drug tests during the 2024 Indian Wells Open, where clostebol—a substance often used in skin treatments—was detected in his system.
According to his legal defense, his physio applied the substance to a cut on his own finger before treating Sinner, unintentionally transferring the banned substance.
Initially, WADA sought a 1-2 year ban, but after nearly a year of investigation, Sinner and WADA settled for a three-month suspension.
- No title stripping.
- No prize money forfeited.
- No points lost.
- Eligible for Roland Garros.
What’s Next for Sinner?
Sinner’s ban runs until May 4, just in time for him to make his return at the Italian Open, where he will be greeted as a hero by home fans.
However, outside of Italy, the reception might be very different. With big-name players like Wawrinka, Kyrgios, and others questioning the ruling, expect more controversy and scrutiny as the French Open looms on the horizon.
The Big Question: Was Sinner Let Off Easy?
The debate is only heating up. Wawrinka’s scathing remark—“I don’t believe in a clean sport anymore”—raises serious questions about how doping cases are handled in tennis.
Does this set a precedent for future doping cases? Did Sinner’s status as a rising superstar and World No. 1 give him a level of protection others wouldn’t receive?
One thing is certain: this scandal is far from over.
