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'This is an absolute joke' - Fans react after Jannik Sinner gets 3-month suspension in settlement of doping case

Top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner accepted a three-month ban and said Saturday the agreement ends a case that was “hanging over me” since his two positive doping tests nearly a year ago.

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Pratyusha Bhawar
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Jannik Sinner

Photograph: (Twitter)

Tennis sensation and world number one Jannik Sinner has accepted a three-month suspension ban in a settlement with WADA following two doping tests last year. The ban is effective from February 9 to May 4. The 23-year-old star tested positive for a small amount of clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid, in March of the previous year.

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The star player claimed the substance entered through a message from a trainer who had used it after cutting his finger. This explanation was accepted by ITIA. Notably, WADA initially sought a ban for a minimum of one year, challenging ITIA's decision not to suspend Sinner. WADA accepted that Sinner did not intend to cheat and clarified that it did not enhance his performance at all.

Meanwhile, the 2025 Australian Open champion stated that he has already accepted the ban, acknowledging the responsibility for his team and recognizing the importance of WADA's strict rule.

"This case had been hanging over me now 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," Sinner said.

"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. On that basis I have accepted WADA's offer to resolve these proceedings on the basis of a 3- month sanction."

Also WATCH: Jannik Sinner sets eyes on Qatar Open 2025, intensifies practice sessions in Doha

When can Jannik Sinner potentially return to competitive tennis?

Jannik Sinner is set to compete in the second Grand Slam of the year, Roland Garros, slated to take place on May 25. The Italian sensation might return to competitive tennis at the Italian Open in Rome, taking place on May 7.

Also Read: Fernando Verdasco set to retire in Qatar Open 2025, partnering doubles with Novak Djokovic to cap off elite career in Doha

Check out how fans have reacted to this ban:

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