By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday February 15, 2025
Jannik Sinner’s settlement with WADA – World Anti-Doping Agency – has left the tennis world a bit stunned. The Italian accepted a three-month ban, which conveniently allows him to not miss any majors. He’s eligible to return on May 4.
The resolution of the case has left some disappointed. Three-time major champion Stan Wawrinka was one of the first to chime in on social media about Sinner’s settlement.
Read More: Sinner Accepts Three-Month Suspension to End Doping Ordeal
“I don’t believe in a clean sport anymore,” the Swiss tweeted.
I don’t believe in a clean sport anymore …
— Stanislas Wawrinka (@stanwawrinka) February 15, 2025
Feliciano Lopez, former World No.12 and current Madrid tournament director, took Sinner’s side, saying: “It’s very clear he hasn’t done anything to enhance his performance, that’s proven. He’s taking full responsibility for others’ mistake and three months suspension, consequently. Longer suspension would’ve made sport cleaner? I don’t think so.
I do Stan. It’s very clear he hasn’t done anything to enhance his performance, that’s proven.He’s taking full responsibility for others mistake and 3 months suspension consequently. Longer suspension would’ve made sport cleaner?I don’t think so.
— Feliciano López (@feliciano_lopez) February 15, 2025
WADA formally withdrew its appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. They were seeking a 1-2 year ban for Sinner, but elected to settle on the three months. The hearing was set to begin in April 16, which would have put Sinner in jeopardy of missing the summer Slams had he been banned the same amount of time.
“It just seems a little bit too convenient,” Tim Henman said on Sky Sports.
The always vocal Yevgeny Kafelnikov suggested players should refuse to compete against Sinner when he returns. “After latest developments, I would do the following (assuming i was still playing). Every time I draw Sinner in the tournament, I do not go on court, doesn’t matter if first round or final. But I’m afraid not one will do same.”
after latest developments,i would do following (assuming i was still playing). Every time i draw Sinner in the tournament,i do not go on court,doesn’t matter if first round or final. But I’m afraid not one will do same😉
— Kafelnikov Yevgeny (@KYevgeni) February 15, 2025
Nick Kyrgios, who has been adamantly against Sinner from the start of this controversy, called it a bad day for tennis:
So wada come out and say it would be a 1-2 year ban. Obviously sinners team have done everything in their power to just go ahead and take a 3 month ban, no titles lost, no prize money lost. Guilty or not? Sad day for tennis. Fairness in tennis does not exist.
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) February 15, 2025
