WADA Official: The Sinner Case Is Far Removed From Doping Allegations
Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: Jannik Sinner has been world number one since June 2024
Published on February 18, 2025
Jannik Sinner’s case was “a million miles away from doping,” a senior figure at the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) has stated. The men’s tennis world number one received an immediate three-month ban by Wada following his settlement over two positive drug tests last year.
Sinner, 23, was cleared of any wrongdoing by an independent panel after testing positive for banned substance clostebol in March 2024. Initially, Wada had sought a ban lasting up to two years upon launching an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas), following the ITIA’s decision not to suspend Sinner.
However, a deal was reached when Wada accepted that Sinner’s contamination was unintentional and he did not intend to cheat. The Italian player claimed his physiotherapist inadvertently contaminated him using an over-the-counter spray containing the banned substance on a cut hand injury.
The case has sparked controversy within the tennis community, with some questioning the timing and severity of the ban, Sinner’s ability to reach a deal, and inconsistencies in recent doping cases. This tension led Swiss three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka to express doubt about clean sports on X:
“I don’t believe in a clean sport any more.”
Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam winner, criticized what he perceived as unfair treatment and suggested favoritism towards high-profile players. Wada general counsel Ross Wenzel emphasized that there was no intentional doping involved:
“The scientific feedback we received indicates this could not be a case of intentional doping, including micro-dosing.”
Wenzel dismissed suggestions of special treatment and maintained the terms of Sinner’s ban were appropriate. The suspension began on February 9th and runs until May 4th, allowing him to participate in the French Open starting May 25th. Despite his absence from competition since beating Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open final on January 26th, Sinner could still maintain world number one status when he resumes play.
Wenzel addressed concerns over the ban’s impact and timing:
“When we look at these cases technically and operationally, rather than being influenced by public opinion or political considerations.”
Sinner has an opportunity to compete in Italy at the Rome Masters beginning May 7th, three days after his suspension ends. This allows him time on clay courts before heading to the French Open.
British player Liam Broady stated he believed Sinner’s ban was aimed at minimizing its impact on his career:
“I believe it had been timed to have as little effect as possible.”
In response, Wenzel clarified that sanctions are applied irrespective of the calendar and without regard for upcoming events:
“The correct sanction should be imposed when applicable. It shouldn’t be modulated or modified based on whether upcoming events are significant.”
Since introducing case resolution agreements in 2021, Wada has reached about 67 such deals across various stages of the process. The provision came into effect in January 2021 and continues to play a role in resolving doping cases.
The controversy surrounding Sinner’s ban underscores ongoing challenges in ensuring fair competition while maintaining clear and effective anti-doping measures within professional tennis.
