World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has agreed to a three-month suspension from professional tennis following a doping case settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The 23-year-old Italian, who won his second Australian Open title last month, will be sidelined from 9 February to 4 May but remains eligible to compete at the French Open in May.
The ban follows two positive tests for clostebol in March last year. While an initial tribunal cleared Sinner of fault, WADA appealed the decision, arguing that athletes bear responsibility for their entourage's actions. Sinner has maintained his innocence, stating that the banned substance entered his system through a spray used by his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, who was treating a finger injury.
In a statement, Sinner acknowledged his responsibility for his team’s actions and accepted WADA’s ruling.
“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.”
As part of the fallout, Sinner has since dismissed both Naldi and his trainer, Umberto Ferrara, who supplied the over-the-counter spray.
Sinner’s suspension means he will miss key tournaments, including the Sunshine Double at Indian Wells and Miami — where he originally tested positive. However, he will be cleared to return just in time for the Italian Open, a major warm-up event for Roland Garros.
Tennis analyst and former Wimbledon semifinalist Tim Henman noted the controversy surrounding the case’s resolution.
“When you start reading words like settlement or agreement, it feels like there’s been a negotiation, and I don’t think that will sit well with the player cohort and the fans of the sport,” Henman said.
Despite the suspension, the agreement is seen as a positive resolution for Sinner, allowing him to return ahead of the Grand Slam season. The three-time major champion has continuously asserted that he did nothing wrong but accepts the accountability that comes with being a top player.
Sinner, who won the 2024 US Open and back-to-back Australian Open titles in 2024 and 2025, will be eligible to resume official training on 23 April, setting the stage for a much-anticipated comeback on clay.