Jannik Sinner banned for three months after reaching settlement with WADA

The Italian twice tested positive for the banned substance clostebol in March 2024

Jannik Sinner © Joaquin Corchero/AFP7/Shuttersto/SIPA

February 15, 2025

Men’s world No 1 Jannik Sinner has been banned from tennis for three months after reaching a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) over his positive drugs tests last year.

The Italian’s ban is between 9 February and 4 May, which means that he will be able to return to professional tennis in time for Roland-Garros, the second Grand Slam of the year.

Sinner twice tested positive for the banned substance clostebol in March 2024, but was cleared of any wrongdoing by an independent panel after successfully arguing that he had been inadvertently contaminated by his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, who was treating a cut on his hand with an over-the-counter spray, which was later found to contain clostebol.

However, WADA launched an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s (ITIA) decision to clear Sinner of all wrongdoing, instead asking for a ban of between one to two years.

Jannik Sinner, Australian Open 2025 — Jannik Sinner won his third Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January © Vincent Thian/AP/SIPA

But WADA have now said that they accept Sinner’s explanation of events, and the case – originally scheduled for 16-17 April – will now not take place after an “agreement” was reached for the player to be banned for three months.

WADA released a statement explaining that it accepts the world No 1 “did not intend to cheat”, that the drug “did not provide any performance-enhancing benefit” and this happened “without his knowledge as the result of negligence of members of his entourage.”

“However, under the code and by virtue of CAS precedent, an athlete bears responsibility for the entourage’s negligence. Based on the unique set of facts of this case, a three-month suspension is deemed to be an appropriate outcome,” they added.

Sinner also made a statement, released by his lawyers.

“This case had been hanging over me for nearly a year and the process still had a long time to run with a decision maybe only at the end of the year,” the three-time Grand Slam champion said.

“I have always accepted that I am responsible for my team and realise Wada’s strict rules are an important protection for the sport I love. On that basis I have accepted Wada’s offer to resolve these proceedings on the basis of a three-month sanction.”

The ban means he will not be able to defend his Miami Open title next month, as he misses the prestigious ‘Sunshine Double’ of Indian Wells and Miami.

It will also put his No1 ranking in jeopardy, but with a healthy lead of more than 3000 points over second-ranked Alexander Zverev, it is possible that Sinner will be able to hold onto the top spot until his return in May.