PTPA condemns ‘tailored deals’ in Jannik Sinner case: “It is not just the different results for different players, it is the lack of transparency”:

Jannik Sinner’s suspension continues to stir controversy on the ATP Tour, and this time, the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), founded by Novak Djokovic, has issued a statement regarding the three-month ban the Italian agreed to with WADA, avoiding a hearing initially scheduled for April, which could have resulted in a one-to-two-year suspension.

The PTPA statement expressed indignation over how Sinner’s case was handled differently compared to other players in similar situations, criticizing the ‘case-by-case’ approach for its lack of transparency.

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The three-time Grand Slam champion had tested positive for clostebol in March last year. Following his appeal, the ITIA ruled in August that Sinner would not receive a ban, as there was no fault or negligence in the contamination. However, after he avoided an ITIA suspension, WADA announced an appeal a few months ago, pushing for a one-to-two-year ban.

Amid the controversy, it was revealed on Saturday that Sinner had accepted a three-month suspension—keeping him off the Tour until May 4—as part of a deal to avoid a lengthier sanction. The suspension runs from February 9 to May 4, meaning Sinner could return at the Rome Open in his native Italy.

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In response, the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA)—created by Novak Djokovic to defend players’ interests—released a strong statement on the matter. “No matter who you root for, several things are now clear,” the statement began. “The ‘system’ is not a system. It’s a club. Supposed ‘case-by-case’ discretion is, in fact, merely cover for tailored deals, unfair treatment, and inconsistent rulings.”

“It is not just the different results for different players. It is the lack of transparency. The lack of process. The lack of consistency. The lack of credibility in the alphabet soup of agencies charged with regulating our sports and athletes. The lack of commitment from the ATP, WTA, Grand Slams, ITIA, and WADA to reform and create a fair and transparent system going forward.”

“This bias is unacceptable to all athletes and shows a deep lack of respect for all sports and their fans. It is time to change. And we will change it.”

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