World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has accepted a three-month suspension from tennis after admitting that mistakes by his team led to two positive tests for traces of the banned substance clostebol in March last year.
The ban, running from February 9 to May 4, means Sinner will be eligible to compete at the French Open, which begins on May 25 at Roland Garros.
In a statement, Sinner emphasized that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) acknowledged he had “no intent and did not derive any competitive advantage from the two positive tests.”
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The Australian Open champion maintained that clostebol entered his system when his physiotherapist used a spray containing the substance to treat a cut before providing massage and therapy.
“This case had been hanging over me now for nearly a year, and the process still had a long time to run, with a decision maybe only at the end of the year,” Sinner said.
“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.”
WADA also confirmed that Sinner “did not intend to cheat” but that, as an athlete, he remains responsible for the actions of his entourage.
The agreement with WADA ensures Sinner will be free to compete at the Rome Open, a key clay-court event in front of his home fans, just after his suspension ends. The tournament serves as the final major warm-up before Roland Garros.
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