Jannik Sinner has opened up on his decision to reach a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency that has seen the Australian Open champion banned for the next three months.
The Italian recently secured glory in Melbourne, crushing Alexander Zverev to win the third Grand Slam of his career.
Sinner will now miss the next three months of action, however.
The 23-year-old has reached a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency that will see him ruled out until May.
Jannik Sinner has opened up on his decision to reach a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency that has seen the Australian Open champion banned for the next three months
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Sinner previously returned two positive drug tests in 2024 and, though he's always protested his innocence, has chosen to settle with the WADA.
The tennis star has now shed light on his decision, with Sinner saying: “This case had been hanging over me 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."
He acknowledges that he is taking responsibility for the actions of his team, having attributed the positive tests to his physiotherapist inadvertently using a steroid cream.
“I have always accepted that I am responsible for my team and realise Wada’s strict rules are an important protection for the sport I love," he continued.
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"On that basis I have accepted Wada’s offer to resolve these proceedings on the basis of a three-month sanction.”
While Sinner seems to be satisfied, tennis figures past and present aren't impressed.
Tim Henman, speaking to Sky Sports, believes the Italian has been truthful throughout the process.
However, the British legend also thinks that the case leaves a 'sour taste' for the sport, too.
Henman said: "I think first and foremost, a couple of cases have sent shockwaves through tennis."
"Obviously Sinner has had this cloud over his head, [Iga] Swiatek also tested positive so two of the best players in the world have had drug cases.
"With Sinner's, I want to start first and foremost to say I don't think there's any way he has been trying to cheat at any stage. I don't believe that.
"However, when I read this statement this morning, it just seems a little too convenient.
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Jannik Sinner has won three Grand Slams throughout his tennis career so far
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It seems there's words like 'agreement' and it almost seems there's been a negotiation.
"He just won the Australian Open, to miss three months of the tour and therefore be eligible to play at Roland Garros, the timing couldn't have been any better for Sinner.
"I still think it leaves a pretty sour taste for the sport...
"I'm sure we'll understand a little bit more as it's such a fresh story but it's just a bit too convenient for me right now."
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
And Nick Kyrgios has also raged, with the Australian saying: “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."
