Jannik Sinner’s three-month suspension has sparked debate across the tennis world, with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) insisting the case was “a million miles away from doping.” The men’s world No.1 tested positive for clostebol last year, but an independent panel ruled he had not intentionally taken the banned substance.
WADA initially sought a two-year ban but settled after accepting that Sinner was inadvertently contaminated by a treatment used by his physiotherapist. The ruling has divided opinion, with some questioning the timing and leniency of the punishment. Swiss star Stan Wawrinka summed up the frustration, posting on social media: “I don’t believe in a clean sport anymore.”
Despite criticism, WADA general counsel Ross Wenzel defended the decision, emphasizing that scientific analysis showed Sinner’s positive test could not be intentional doping. He dismissed suggestions of favoritism and insisted the sanction was appropriate. “Some think it’s too much, others think it’s not enough. That probably means it’s about right,” Wenzel said in an interview.
The timing of Sinner’s suspension has also raised eyebrows. The ban, which began on February 9 and ends on May 4 allowing him to return just in time for the Rome Masters and the French Open.
Wenzel rejected those claims, stating that WADA’s sanctions are “blind to the calendar.” He explained that once a resolution is reached, the punishment must be implemented immediately, rather than being adjusted to fit the tournament schedule. “It happened to be decided last Friday, and it came into effect immediately,” he said.
Sinner, who has not played since his Australian Open triumph over Alexander Zverev, could still retain his No.1 ranking upon his return. His comeback in Rome would give him crucial clay-court preparation ahead of Roland Garros, where he will look to put this controversy behind him and reaffirm his status at the top of the sport.
