World number one Jannik Sinner has accepted a three-month doping ban following a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), allowing him to return before the French Open in May.
Sinner, who tested positive for the anabolic agent clostebol, maintained the substance entered his system unknowingly through his support team’s negligence.
His suspension, which began on 9 February, will conclude on 4 May, with training permitted from 13 April.
WADA acknowledged that Sinner had no intent to cheat and gained no competitive advantage, leading to a reduced penalty from a potential two-year ban.
The decision has sparked controversy, with the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) and players like Nick Kyrgios criticising the inconsistency of doping rulings.
Meanwhile, the Italian Tennis Federation has expressed support for Sinner, who will miss key Masters tournaments but is set to return in time for the Italian Open in May.
