World no. 1 Jannik Sinner will not compete until early May. The three-time Major champion reached an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). He is serving a three-month suspension ahead of his return at the home Rome Masters.
Rather than competing in Doha as initially planned, Jannik traded the tennis courts for the Alps, indulging in his passion for skiing – his second-favorite sport. Although he had arrived and trained in Doha, he departed following the resolution of his doping case.
Some deserved relax ⛷️
Mental batteries 📈Forza 🦊 pic.twitter.com/Uo1ezufHoX
— Janniksin_Updates (@JannikSinner_Up) February 22, 2025
The 23-year-old had been dealing with his failed doping test since March last year. He kept his focus on tennis, but the pressure got bigger s a trial loomed, originally scheduled for April. Both Jannik and WADA sought to avoid a lengthy legal battle.
Thus, the world’s top-ranked player agreed to a three-month hiatus, missing a couple of notable tournaments but no Majors. Sinner tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid twice in March last year ahead and during Indian Wells.
Jannik Sinner, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
The tennis world knew nothing until August when the news detonated like a bombshell just a couple of days after Jannik’s Cincinnati Masters title. These findings were attributed to contamination from a team member.
He had carelessly used a spray containing clostebol to treat a wound on his hand and then massaged Sinner without wearing gloves. Jannik successfully appealed both violations, avoiding an immediate suspension.
Jannik Sinner, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
The Italian lost points and the prize money from Indian Wells but continued the season. He would become the 29th world no. 1 less than three months later! An independent tribunal convened by Sport Resolutions ruled that the Italian bore no fault or negligence for the two Anti-Doping Rule Violations.
However, WADA made a twist in the tale by challenging the ITAI’s ruling. Thus, it extended the case and kept the 23-year-old in no man’s land, with a possible two-year ban lingering above his head. Jannik excelled through the uncertainty, embracing a 73-6 score in 2024 and winning eight ATP titles!
Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
WADA’s strict regulations forced a prolonged review, extending the pace for over a year, with a final decision initially slated for April. With uncertainty hanging over his career, Sinner made a difficult call to accept a three-month ban and terminate the saga.
The Italian withdrew from Doha, Indian Wells and Miami, and we will not see him in Munich and Madrid in April. Despite his absence, Jannik’s substantial lead over his rivals should ensure he stays on the ATP throne when he returns to the court at Foro Italico in May.
Tennis World USA