By: Grace Wang
The world’s top-ranked tennis player, Jannik Sinner, has accepted a three-month suspension after testing positive for the banned substance clostebol in 2024. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced that Sinner will miss three months of play from February 9th to May 4th, where he will return in time for the second major of the year, the French Open.
The positive tests which were conducted during Indian Wells in March 2024, were attributed to accidental contamination which Sinner wasn’t aware of. His physiotherapist had used a medication which contained clostebol to treat his own cut and subsequently provided physical therapy to Sinner without proper hygiene measures, leading to trace contamination.
This decision has sparked great debate within the tennis community with many criticizing the perceived inconsistencies in anti-doping rulings, suggesting favoritism towards high-profile players such as by Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios. Many female players, such as World Number 1 Aryna Sabalenka and American sensation Coco Gauff lack trust in the system and the fairness of these rulings.
Sinner started his 2025 campaign in brilliant fashion as he defended his Australian Open title in dominant display; overall, this was his 3rd major. Sinner will return to action in his home tournament, the Italian Open. It is also possible that during the next three months, he will lose his World Number One ranking to Germany’s Alexander Zverev.
