By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday, February 15, 2025
Jannik Sinner has sent shockwaves through the tennis circuit with his recent settlement with WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). The young Italian ace has accepted a three-month suspension, strategically timed so he won’t miss any Grand Slam events, allowing his return on May 4.
This resolution has sparked disappointment among some players. Former three-time major champion Stan Wawrinka was quick to express his views on social media regarding the settlement.
Read More: Sinner Accepts Three-Month Suspension to Conclude Doping Saga
“I no longer believe in a clean sport,” Wawrinka tweeted.
I don’t believe in a clean sport anymore …
— Stanislas Wawrinka (@stanwawrinka) February 15, 2025
Former World No.12 and current Madrid tournament director Feliciano Lopez came to Sinner’s defense, asserting: “It’s evident he hasn’t enhanced his performance; that’s been established. He’s taking responsibility for the mistakes of others, resulting in a three-month suspension. Would a longer suspension have improved the sport’s integrity? I doubt it.”
I do Stan. It’s very clear he hasn’t done anything to enhance his performance, that’s proven. He’s taking full responsibility for others’ mistakes and the 3 months suspension consequently. A longer suspension would’ve made sport cleaner? I don’t think so.
— Feliciano López (@feliciano_lopez) February 15, 2025
WADA has officially retracted its appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, where they were initially pushing for a one to two-year ban. They opted for a quick resolution with a three-month suspension as the hearing was scheduled for April 16—a potential timeline that could have resulted in Sinner missing summer Grand Slams.
“It seems a tad too convenient,” remarked Tim Henman on Sky Sports.
Yevgeny Kafelnikov, known for his outspoken nature, suggested that players should opt out of facing Sinner upon his return. “Based on the recent events (if I were still competing), I would refuse to take the court against Sinner, regardless of the round. However, I fear no one else would follow suit.”
After latest developments, I would do the following (assuming I was still playing). Every time I drew Sinner in a tournament, I wouldn’t step on the court, whether it’s the first round or the final. But I’m afraid no one will do the same. 😉
— Kafelnikov Yevgeny (@KYevgeni) February 15, 2025
The ever-controversial Nick Kyrgios expressed his disdain for the situation, labeling it a grim day for tennis.
So WADA comes out and states it would be a 1-2 year suspension. Clearly, Sinner’s team has done everything possible to secure a mere 3-month ban with no titles or prize money forfeited. Guilty or not? It’s a sad day for tennis. Fairness in tennis does not exist.
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) February 15, 2025
