NEW DELHI: World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has accepted a three-month suspension in a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Company (WADA) after testing optimistic for Clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid.
The suspension, which runs from February 9 to Could 4, means the 23-year-old Italian will miss a number of key tournaments, together with Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, and the Madrid Open.
Nonetheless, he’s anticipated to return in time for the Italian Open in Rome (Could 7–18), simply weeks earlier than the French Open (Could 25–June 8).
The case stems from two optimistic doping checks final March. The Worldwide Tennis Integrity Company (ITIA) initially cleared Sinner, accepting his rationalization that the substance entered his system by way of unintentional contamination — hint quantities had been transferred from a coach who had utilized the substance to a reduce on his finger.
WADA, nevertheless, appealed the ruling to the Court docket of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, searching for at the very least a one-year ban. The 2 sides reached a settlement, lowering the suspension to 3 months.
Sinner’s absence is a major blow to the ATP Tour, given his dominance in latest months.
After successful his Grand Slam title on the Australian Open in January, he had been in high type and was seen as a serious contender for upcoming clay-court occasions. Due to his triumph in Melbourne, he’s now eligible to compete within the subsequent Grand Slam.
His absence from Indian Wells and Miami — two prestigious Masters 1000 tournaments — will affect the battle for the ATP No. 1 rating.
The Italian will now give attention to making ready for his comeback at dwelling in Rome, the place he’ll goal to regain momentum forward of Roland Garros.
