Australian Open Champion Jannik Sinner handed three-month suspension in doping settlement

Jannik Sinner, the champion of the Australian Open, has agreed to a three-month suspension following a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the agency announced on Saturday.

WADA had contested a decision from last year by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), which had opted not to impose a suspension on Sinner for what it deemed accidental exposure to a banned anabolic steroid in March.

Sinner’s explanation, which stated that the minute traces of Clostebol found in his sample were a result of a massage administered by a trainer who had accidentally used the substance after injuring his finger, was accepted.

The 23-year-old Italian is still eligible to compete in the upcoming grand slam, with the French Open commencing on May 25.

“This issue has been looming over me for almost a year now, and the process could have extended for a long time with a decision possibly not coming until the end of the year,” Sinner stated.

“I have always acknowledged my responsibility for my team’s actions and understand that WADA’s strict regulations serve as a crucial safeguard for the sport I am passionate about. On that basis, I have agreed to WADA’s proposal to resolve this matter with a three-month sanction.”

WADA had initially referred the ITIA’s ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland, aiming to impose at least a one-year ban.

The period of suspension is from February 9 to May 4.

Sinner could potentially make his comeback at the Italian Open in Rome, scheduled to commence on May 7.

His legal representative, Jamie Singer of Onside Law, expressed satisfaction, stating: “I am thrilled that Jannik can finally move forward from this distressing episode. WADA has acknowledged the facts established by the Independent Tribunal. It is evident that Jannik had no intention of wrongdoing, no knowledge of the situation and did not gain any competitive edge. Unfortunately, mistakes made by his team contributed to this predicament.”