WADA stands by Jannik Sinner ruling amid claims of unfair treatment

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has insisted that Jannik Sinner’s case was “a million miles away from doping” after the men’s world number one received a three-month ban following two positive drug tests.

Sinner, 23, reached a settlement with WADA on Saturday, avoiding a longer suspension despite testing positive for the banned substance clostebol in March 2024. An independent panel had previously cleared him of wrongdoing, but WADA appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking a two-year ban. The case was resolved when WADA accepted that Sinner was unknowingly contaminated by an over-the-counter spray used by his physiotherapist to treat a hand injury.

The decision has divided the tennis community. Swiss three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka expressed his frustration on social media, writing: “I don’t believe in a clean sport any more.” Novak Djokovic also weighed in, accusing authorities of showing “favouritism” towards high-profile players.

Despite the criticism, WADA’s general counsel Ross Wenzel defended the ruling. “The scientific feedback that we received was that this could not be a case of intentional doping, including micro-dosing,” he told BBC Sport.

Wenzel also rejected claims that Sinner received preferential treatment. His ban, which runs from 9 February to 4 May, allows him to return in time for the French Open, beginning on 25 May. Critics argue the timing is convenient, as Sinner has not played since winning the Australian Open in January. However, Wenzel dismissed suggestions that WADA tailored the suspension around the tennis calendar.

“WADA has received messages from those who think the sanction was too harsh and others who think it was too lenient. If you have both sides arguing, maybe that’s an indication we got it right,” he said.

With Sinner potentially retaining his world number-one ranking when he returns, the debate over fairness in doping rulings continues to rage on.