WADA has responded to the controversy surrounding Jannik Sinner’s three-month suspension, asserting that the case is “a million miles away from doping.” They had initially contested a ruling from the International Tennis Integrity Agency, aiming for a one to two-year ban. Ultimately, a settlement was reached after Sinner tested positive for the banned substance clostebol in March 2024.
Sinner maintains his innocence, claiming the substance was introduced through an over-the-counter spray used by his physiotherapist to treat a cut. Prominent tennis figures, including Stan Wawrinka, Novak Djokovic, and Nick Kyrgios, have voiced their discontent with the ruling. However, WADA’s general counsel, Ross Wenzel, defended the outcome, emphasising that the evidence indicated it was not a case of intentional doping.
Wenzel highlighted the mixed reactions to the decision, suggesting that the differing opinions on the severity of the sanction indicate that it was appropriately decided. He reiterated WADA’s commitment to making decisions based on technical and operational factors rather than public or political pressure.