Doping shock: Jannik Sinner closed for three months-what now?

Doping shock: Jannik Sinner closed for three months-what now?

A doping scandal shakes the world of tennis: Jannik Sinner, the current number one in the world rankings, was documented with a three-month lock for violations of the anti-doping rules. This decision results from positive tests on the anabolic steroid closebol, which was carried out during the Masters in Indian Wells in March 2024. According to the reports of kosmo.at his lock will be effective on February 9th and ends on May 5. Sinner can train again from April 13th and could return to the home tournaments in Rome in good time.

The lock was imposed after negotiations with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Sinner did not deny that he had culpably acted in any way and accepted responsibility for his team's mistakes. His physiotherapist had accidentally transferred the steroid by an unprotected massage after using it to treat his own injury. Despite these circumstances, the WADA appealed, which should lead to a planned hearing at the International Sports Court (CAS). However, this has now been canceled because Sinner and the Wada have reached an agreement, such as nytimes.com reported.

Sinner’s way back

Although Sinner misses important tournaments such as the BMW Open in Munich and the Masters in Indian Wells, he remains eligible with Grand Slam tournaments for the rest of the season. This regulation even seems to give him an advantage because it is not blocked for large competitions and can therefore optimally prepare for the French Open. After his original positive testing in August 2024, he had won the Australian Open title and is now under pressure to stay in top shape even after the lock. His lawyer, Jamie Singer from Onside Law, expressed this topic: "It is clear that Jannik had no intention, and he has not achieved a competitive advantage."

The lock also opens up opportunities for other players, especially Alexander Zverev, who now has the opportunity to take over the world rankings when he performs well in the upcoming competitions. Sinner himself emphasizes the need for strict rules in sport and says: "The strict rules of the Wada are an important protection for the sport I love."