The world number one in the ATP rankings, Jannik Sinner, surprised the tennis world by being suspended for testing positive in a doping control. The Italian, at the peak of his career, must stay away from the courts until May 4 after reaching an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to end a long legal dispute.
The substance found in Sinner's system was clostebol, an anabolic steroid. Both the player and his team argued that the contamination was accidental, resulting from a massage with contaminated cream. Despite the initial absolution by the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU), WADA decided to appeal the decision and agreed to a three-month suspension.
The TIU concluded 'No Fault or Negligence', although WADA believes that the responsibility lies with the athlete, even though the contamination was accidental. Sinner will miss important tournaments such as Miami, Indian Wells, and Monte Carlo, but he will be able to return at the Rome Masters 1000 with hopes of returning to the top of world tennis.
This case has generated debate in the sports world. While some consider the sanction fair, others believe it is excessive, arguing that Sinner had no intention of doping.
