Jannik Sinner’s admission with the World Anti-Doping Agency to accept a three-month ban for positive doping tests has been slammed by Nick Kyrgios. The Australian has been vocal since Sinner has tested positive for the doping tests.
Trace amounts of Clostebol were found in Sinner’s doping sample. However, Sinner explained that it was due to a massage from a trainer who used the substance after cutting his own finger.
International Tennis Integrity Agency had accepted Sinner’s explanation but WADA challenged the decision and was seeking to ban the Italian for at least a year.
Sinner’s ban will end on May 4 and he will be eligible to play at the Roland Garros, which begins on May 25.
Kyrgios wrote on X, “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.”
Daniil Medvedev and former player Tim Henman were also not impressed with the decision.
World No. 8 Daniil Medvedev, speaking after losing in the Open 13 semifinals in Marseille, said, “I hope everyone can discuss with WADA and defend themselves like Jannik Sinner from now on.”
Former British No. 1 Tim Henman told Sky Sport, “When I read the statement this morning, it just seems a little bit too convenient. Obviously having just won the Australian Open, to miss three months of the tour and therefore to be eligible to play at Roland Garros, the timing couldn’t have been any better for Sinner, but I still think it leaves a pretty sour taste for the sport.”
Professional Tennis Players Association, founded by Novak Djokovic, also slammed the ATP, WTA, Grand Slams, ITA, and WADA.
“The ‘system’ is not a system. It’s a club,” the PTPA wrote. “Supposed case-by-case discretion is, in fact, merely cover for tailored deals, unfair treatment, and inconsistent rulings. It’s not just the different results for different players. It’s 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.”
