Jannik Sinner’s 3-month sanction for the doping controversy surprised many, especially due to the timing of the agreement, which allows the Italian to avoid missing any Grand Slam tournaments and return just in time to play his home Masters 1000 at the Rome Open.
Until recently, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) had requested a sanction of between one and two years in its appeal to the ITIA. However, a settlement between the lawyers of both parties was reached, according to a recent investigation by the BBC.
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The lawyers’ agreement
When Sinner learned that WADA would be presenting an appeal for a ban, he was confident that he could once again prove his innocence and avoid a suspension. However, the risk of a sanction ranging from one to two years led him to accept an agreement he had hoped to avoid.
While the doping case process has been questioned, Sinner’s legal team and WADA officials met to reach an agreement to avoid a trial. On February 14th, Sinner’s lawyer, Jaie Singer, spoke with one of WADA’s lawyers, who proposed that Singer settle for a shorter suspension.
Jannik Sinner won his third major title at 2025 Australian Open.
Sinner was to accept a three-month sanction for his failed drug tests, with WADA withdrawing the appeal, bringing the case to an end. "It all happened unbelievably quickly," Singer told BBC Sport. "In a matter of a couple of days, really."
Sinner’s team persuaded the 3-time Grand Slam champion to accept the agreement, even though they sought to prove his innocence, something the 23-year-old player has been adamant about. "When I was saying 'well, look, maybe we should settle for three months,' he was saying 'well, why would we do that if the first independent tribunal found it was no ban at all, why would I accept three months now?’” Singer said.
"My advice was, 'one never knows what's going to happen at a hearing, we know that WADA is pushing for a year, if we don't accept their offer then they will go to court looking for a year and who knows what those three judges could do,’” he added. “So the possibility of three months, in my view, was a good possibility.”
Why did WADA change its mind?
In the initial investigation into Sinner’s case, the ITIA concluded that there was no fault or negligence on Sinner’s part in the doping. It is remembered that his physiotherapist applied an aerosol with clostebol to his own hands, and when treating Sinner, he may have contaminated him with a tiny fraction of the banned substance, which led to the positive doping result at Indian Wells.
Sinner only lost the points and prize money earned from reaching the semifinals. Later, WADA expressed disagreement with the decision and announced that it would appeal the ruling in search of a sanction of between one and two years.
WADA’s General Counsel, Ross Wenzel, denied that there had been a fundamental change in the institution’s stance, saying it adjusted to what they considered to be fairer. “This was a case that was a million miles away from doping,” Wenzel told BBC Sport. “The scientific feedback that we received was that this could not be a case of intentional doping, including micro-dosing.”
If the case had gone to court, there was a possibility of facing a sanction of at least a year if the jury did not agree with Sinner’s innocence. There would have been no possibility of a sanction of less than a year.
“I’m not sure that a sanction of 12 months in this case – if we’d have forced the tribunal into that position – or a case of ‘no fault’ would have been a good outcome,” added Wenzel. “One would have compromised an important principle under the code. The other one, in our view, would have been an unduly harsh sanction.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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