NEW DELHI: World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has accepted a three-month suspension in a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) after testing positive for Clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid.
The suspension, which runs from February 9 to May 4, means the 23-year-old Italian will miss several key tournaments, including Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, and the Madrid Open.
However, he is expected to return in time for the Italian Open in Rome (May 7–18), just weeks before the French Open (May 25–June 8).
The case stems from two positive doping tests last March. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) initially cleared Sinner, accepting his explanation that the substance entered his system through accidental contamination — trace amounts were transferred from a trainer who had applied the substance to a cut on his finger.
WADA, however, appealed the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, seeking at least a one-year ban. The two sides reached a settlement, reducing the suspension to three months.
Sinner’s absence is a significant blow to the ATP Tour, given his dominance in recent months.
After winning his Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January, he had been in top form and was seen as a major contender for upcoming clay-court events. Thanks to his triumph in Melbourne, he is now eligible to compete in the next Grand Slam.
His absence from Indian Wells and Miami — two prestigious Masters 1000 tournaments — will impact the battle for the ATP No. 1 ranking.
The Italian will now focus on preparing for his comeback at home in Rome, where he will aim to regain momentum ahead of Roland Garros.
