At the end of 2024, player Jannik Sinner was discovered positive for doping. But at this time, Sinner did not have to receive a ban. Wada confirmed that the banned content in Sinner was very small, almost could not help this player to play better in professional tournaments.
According to information from Sinner, the banned substance is put into his body through a topical medication used in therapy and massage. Wada accepted the explanation of Sinner, determined that he was not intentionally cheating. This has facilitated Sinner to continue playing, thereby protecting the Australian Open 2025 championship.
The fact that Sinner continued to play despite the accusation of Doping made Wada under pressure. The agency decided to issue a ban on competition for 3 months with Sinner, from February 9 to May 4. The Italian player then quickly accepted the sentence, instead of appealing to the sports court.
Wada's decision was once again controversial, especially in the community of professional players. Earlier, players who were positive for doping such as Maria Sharapova or Simona Halep had to receive a 2 -year ban. They were later reduced, but this punishment made both of them almost immediately parted with a professional playground.
In the opposite direction, Sinner was also discovered positive for doping, but he was only banned from playing for 3 months instead of 2 years. In addition, the penalty also does not affect the plan to compete in major tournaments of Sinner. The player will return in late May, the time when Roland Garros started to start.
