Top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner has agreed to a three-month ban as part of a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), bringing closure to a case that has weighed heavily on him since two positive doping tests nearly a year ago.
WADA had initially sought to suspend the three-time Grand Slam champion for at least one year, challenging a previous decision by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The ITIA had deemed Sinner's positive tests as accidental contamination by a banned anabolic steroid in March.
Sinner explained that trace amounts of Clostebol found in his doping sample were the result of a massage from a trainer who had used the substance after injuring his finger. This explanation was accepted, leading to the settlement.
The timing of the ban means that the 23-year-old Italian will not miss any Grand Slam tournaments, with the French Open slated to begin on May 25. Sinner, who won the Australian Open in January, stated, \"This case had been hanging over me now 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. I have always accepted that I am responsible for my team and realize 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.\"
Jannik Sinner's lawyer, Jamie Singer, expressed relief over the resolution, stating, \"I am delighted that Jannik can finally put this harrowing experience behind him. WADA has confirmed the facts determined by the Independent Tribunal. It is clear that Jannik had no intent, no knowledge, and gained no competitive advantage. Regrettably, errors made by members of his team led to this situation.\"
In the ATP singles rankings, Sinner currently holds the No. 2 position, trailing behind Alexander Zverev by 3,695 points. The three-month ban will result in a loss of 1,600 ranking points for Sinner, including points from his Miami Open title, Monte Carlo Masters semifinal, and Madrid Open quarterfinal appearances. Should Zverev secure multiple titles during Sinner's suspension, the German player could ascend to the No. 1 ranking.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
