In a surprising turn of events, Jannik Sinner has been removed from next month’s exhibition event in Las Vegas as he currently faces a three-month suspension related to two failed doping tests.
Taking Sinner’s place is the talented Casper Ruud, who is set to join renowned players Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Tommy Paul on March 2 at the MGM Rewards Slam, hosted at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. This change was revealed in a news release stating that Sinner “will not participate due to his recent suspension.”
Just last weekend, the 23-year-old Italian accepted the suspension as part of a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). WADA contested a decision made last year by the International Tennis Integrity Agency, which had fully absolved Sinner after deeming his positive tests to be the result of accidental contamination. In March 2024, Sinner tested positive for trace amounts of a banned anabolic steroid. He later clarified that a cream, acquired by a member of his now-former team, contained the illicit substance clostebol.
With this settlement, Sinner will be out of action until early May, aiming for a comeback at the Rome Masters in his native Italy. Interestingly, the timing of his suspension has raised eyebrows among fellow players, as it ensures he won’t miss any Grand Slam events, with the next being the French Open commencing on May 25.
Remarkably, Sinner has captured three of the last five major singles titles, including the past two Australian Opens and the U.S. Open in September.
Ruud and Zverev, both accomplished players, have each finished as runner-up in major tournaments three times. Notably, Fritz faced Sinner in last year’s U.S. Open final, while Paul’s best Grand Slam result came with a semifinal appearance.
Additionally, on March 1, the world’s top female player, Aryna Sabalenka, will take on former No. 1 Naomi Osaka in a highly anticipated exhibition match at the same venue.
