‘Don’t Believe in a Clean Sport’ – Tennis Fraternity Erupts Over Jannik Sinner as Stalwarts Weigh In on Doping Saga

The doping controversy surrounding Jannik Sinner has divided the tennis world. While some believe that the Italian star bore no fault of his, others vouched for harsh punishment for Sinner as he tested positive for the banned substance, Clostebol. Earlier today, another sensational update dropped in this matter as Sinner accepted a three-month ban from WADA, eventually settling the case outside the CAS. However, this didn’t go down well with a section of bigwigs in the tennis world.

A few years back, Simona Halep found herself in a similar situation as Sinner. In that case, she was handed a nine-month ban. Thus, the likes of Stan Wawrinka and former Russian player, Yevgeny Kafelnikov felt that partiality was made as Sinner was at the top of the current crop of ATP stars and his absence would create a huge void in the tennis world.

Thus, hitting out at Sinner in this matter, Wawrinka took to his official Twitter handle and wrote, “I don’t believe in a clean sport anymore …” Additionally, Kafelnikov also had a similar opinion as Wawrinka and questioned Sinner for accepting the 3-month ban. He said, “I just don’t get it!! If you absolutely 100% sure of your innocence(as he was before with his lawyers),why you accepting 3 month ban?? makes no sense to me.”

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I don’t believe in a clean sport anymore …

— Stanislas Wawrinka (@stanwawrinka) February 15, 2025

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However, these weren’t the only stars who were critical of Sinner and WADA for ending the saga with a three-month ban for the Italian star. Even Nick Kyrgios joined the criticism and slammed WADA for the end result, saying, “So wada come out and say it would be a 1-2 year ban. Obviously sinners team have done everything in their power to just go ahead and take a 3 month ban, no titles lost, no prize money lost. Guilty or not? Sad day for tennis. Fairness in tennis does not exist.” After accepting a 3-month ban, Sinner broke his silence in this matter and he will be cleared to make a comeback on the 5th of May this year.

What did Jannik Sinner say after accepting the ban?

Although the ITIA cleared Sinner as he bore no fault of his own, WADA rules stated that a player is responsible for the actions of the training staff. As a result, WADA appealed to the CAS and asked for Sinner to be handed a 1 or 2-year ban. But Sinner and WADA settled the case outside the CAS and the Italian star released a statement after agreeing to the 3-month ban.

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He said, “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. I have always accepted that I am responsible for my team and realize 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.”

Although he will miss some important tournaments like the Indian Wells and Miami Masters, Sinner will be able to play in the French Open. Do you feel that a 3-month ban for Sinner was a fair end to this doping saga? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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