Italian tennis sensation Jannik Sinner has agreed to a three-month suspension from professional tennis following two positive drug tests in 2024. The 23-year-old athlete reached a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) after testing positive for trace amounts of clostebol, a muscle-building steroid commonly found in medications used to treat inflammation and skin irritations. Sinner’s case has sparked widespread discussion, as the substance was reportedly introduced into his system unintentionally through contamination.
The controversy began when Sinner returned his first positive test in 2024, revealing low levels of clostebol in his system. Just eight days later, a second test confirmed the presence of the same substance. While a provisional suspension was initially imposed, Sinner successfully challenged the ban, allowing him to continue competing. Investigations by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) revealed that the contamination likely occurred through a product used by his physiotherapist. The physiotherapist had applied an over-the-counter spray to treat a cut on their hand before working with Sinner, inadvertently transferring the substance to the player.
Despite the ITIA accepting Sinner’s explanation, WADA pursued the case, ultimately leading to a settlement. The agreement stipulates a three-month ban, effective from February 9 to May 4, 2025. This suspension means Sinner will miss several tournaments but will be eligible to compete in this year’s Grand Slam events, including the French Open, which begins on May 25. The timing of the ban ensures that Sinner, who recently triumphed at the Australian Open, can still participate in the sport’s most prestigious competitions.
In a statement, WADA acknowledged that Sinner did not intentionally ingest the substance and gained no performance-enhancing benefits from the exposure. However, the agency emphasized that athletes are ultimately responsible for their entourage’s actions, citing established precedents under the World Anti-Doping Code. “While Mr. Sinner did not intend to cheat, the negligence of his team led to this violation,” the statement read. “A three-month suspension is a fair and appropriate outcome given the unique circumstances of this case.”
Sinner, through his legal team, expressed relief at resolving the matter, which had loomed over him for nearly a year. “This case has been a significant burden, and I am glad to have reached a resolution,” his statement read. “I fully accept my responsibility for my team’s actions and understand the importance of WADA’s strict regulations in protecting the integrity of tennis. I have agreed to the three-month sanction and look forward to returning to the sport I love.” Sinner will be permitted to resume official training activities on April 13, marking the beginning of his journey back to competitive tennis.
This development underscores the complexities of anti-doping regulations and the challenges athletes face in ensuring compliance, even when violations occur unintentionally. As Sinner prepares to serve his suspension, the tennis world will be watching closely to see how this rising star rebounds from this setback.