Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner will serve a three-month suspension after settling with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), resolving a contentious case involving trace amounts of banned substance Clostebol found in his system during March 2023 tests. The 23-year-old, currently ranked world No. 1, attributed the contamination to accidental exposure via a trainer treating a finger injury.
WADA initially sought a year-long ban but accepted Sinner's explanation that he gained no competitive advantage. The reduced suspension allows him to return in time for the French Open starting May 25. \"This case had been hanging over me for nearly a year,\" Sinner said in a statement, emphasizing his commitment to clean sport while acknowledging the need to \"take responsibility for my team.\"
The sanction carries ranking consequences: Sinner will forfeit 1,600 ATP points from three tournaments. Rival Alexander Zverev could temporarily claim the top spot if he performs well during Sinner's absence. Legal representative Jamie Singer called the resolution a relief, stating: \"Errors by team members led to this situation, but WADA confirmed there was no intent.\"
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
