The tennis world, decisive against Sinner: "I no longer believe in a clean sport"

Óscar Belloch | 15 Feb 2025 | 21.12

Jannik Sinner. Photo: Getty

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A very eventful day in the world of tennis. The WADA has officially announced that Jannik Sinner will serve a three-month suspension for his double positive for clostebol in the early stages of 2024. This sanction comes after a challenging time for the player due to the uncertainty of whether he would ultimately face a punitive measure. Nevertheless, he put that suffering behind him and managed to focus on the court, amid controversy, winning the US Open 2024 and the Australian Open 2025.

The ordeal of Jannik Sinner finally comes to an end, and he will be able to compete in Roland Garros and is expected to return for the Rome Masters 1000, which starts on May 7, three days after his suspension ends. There is a chance he could lose the world number one ranking, but both Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz would need outstanding performances to surpass him. Reactions to the verdict were swift, with official bodies supporting the three-month professional competition ban; however, Sinner received criticism from many fellow professionals, while most have yet to take a stance either in favor or against.

- The Italian Tennis Federation, disappointed but relieved

Angelo Binaghi, president of the FITP, is convinced of the innocence of his star player. He stated in an official statement that "it is the first time that a shameful, unjust act makes us happy because Sinner sees an end to a nightmare. This agreement between the two parties certifies Jannik's innocence and allows him to plan his future with a great comeback at the Rome Masters 1000, where all of Italy will welcome him as he deserves. Jannik has accepted a compromise that, even though he does not admit any wrongdoing, is truly unfair."

Binaghi 🎙

"It is the first time that a shameful injustice makes us happy because the first thought is for Sinner, who sees an end to a nightmare.

This agreement between the two parties certifies Jannik's innocence, his absolute non-guilt, and finally allows him to… pic.twitter.com/XJWY7C62qr

— Giovanni Pelazzo (@giovannipelazzo) February 15, 2025

- Jannik's 'archenemy'

Nick Kyrgios has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of the whole affair surrounding Jannik Sinner. After months of incendiary comments, he reappeared following the WADA verdict, retweeting numerous posts criticizing the sentence. He also personally remarked, "WADA said it would be a 1-2 year ban; obviously, Sinner's team did everything to just 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," in a tweet. He later added, "So they found him guilty... hence the suspension. But they don't take away his points, and he can play in Roland Garros. Today is a very, very sad day. I hope that children playing tennis will not behave like this in the future." Furthermore, Nick announced his intention to participate in live streams next week to discuss the matter with "other players who feel the same."

So WADA come out and say it would be a 1-2 year ban. Obviously Sinner's 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.

— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) February 15, 2025

- Kafelnikov also speaks out

Yevgeny Kafelnikov, former world number one, multiple Grand Slam winner, and gold medalist in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, urges players on the circuit to refuse to play against Sinner: "I don't understand! If you are 100% sure of your innocence, why accept a three-month suspension? To me, it makes no sense. If I were to play against Sinner, whether in the first round or the final, I wouldn't take to the court. I believe nobody will." With this message, the Russian alludes to his withdrawal from the 1996 US Open, where he refused to play due to a rule favoring American players being seeded. He was set to occupy the seventh spot, but he felt he deserved the fourth, held by Andre Agassi.

After the latest developments, I would do the following (assuming I was still playing). Every time I draw Sinner in the tournament, I do not go on court, doesn't matter if the first round or final. But I'm afraid no one will do the same😉

— Kafelnikov Yevgeny (@KYevgeni) February 15, 2025

- "Three months?"

French player Alexandre Muller, currently ranked 58th in the world, often engages on social media and decided to weigh in on this controversy with an ironic movie reference. In the scene, several actors express great surprise upon hearing the phrase "three months" in French, leading the player to believe that the sanction imposed on Sinner is too lenient.

We are right on time! pic.twitter.com/hY67hxtwac

— Alexandre Müller (@Alex2Mumu) February 15, 2025

- "...Interesting."

Liam Broady is another player known for involving himself in controversies. A regular on the Challenger circuit, the British player often speaks out when incidents shake up the tennis world. This time, he expressed disbelief at the fact that "you can reach a settlement regarding a doping ban... interesting."

Didn't realize you could reach a settlement regarding a doping ban... Interesting. Back in time for the French Open, I guess? 👀

— Liam Broady (@Liambroady) February 15, 2025

- Feud between Feliciano López and Wawrinka

Stan Wawrinka has been one of the few players to comment on the suspension, expressing his opinion strongly: "I no longer believe in a clean sport..." To which Feliciano López responded, clearly siding with the Italian: "I do believe, Stan. It is very clear that Sinner did not do anything to enhance his performance; that was proven. He is assuming full responsibility for the mistake of others, and consequently, for the three-month suspension," ending his comment with a question, "Would a longer suspension have made the sport cleaner? I don't think so."

I don't believe in a clean sport anymore...

— Stanislas Wawrinka (@stanwawrinka) February 15, 2025

- Djokovic's PTPA with strong words

As reported by Punto de Break, the PTPA (Professional Tennis Players Association) has issued a scathing statement regarding the sanction: "The 'system' is not a system, it's a club."