Suspension Unfair, I Know I Am Innocent

By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Sunday, April 6, 2025

Picture credit score: Matthew Calvis

Deadly shotmaking rocketed Jannik Sinner’s rise to world No. 1.

Easy decision-making compelled Sinner to just accept a three-month suspension from tennis.

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In a brand new interview with Sky Sports Italy, Sinner mentioned his resolution to just accept the three-month ban and settle WADA’s enchantment of his doping case was “the lesser evil.”

Whereas Sinner calls his suspension “unfair” he additionally notes “it may have been worse.”

“In the long run, you need to select the lesser evil and I consider that’s what I’ve achieved,” Sinner instructed Sky Sports Italy. “Even when typically it appears a bit unfair, all that I am residing, however then if I take a look at issues from a distinct perspective it may have been worse.

“Much more unfairness. That is the best way it’s.”

Final March, Sinner twice examined constructive for the banned steroid clostebol in “low ranges” the Worldwide Tennis Integrity Company introduced in August days earlier than the beginning of the US Open.

Two-time Australian Open champion Sinner was not suspended and permitted to play as a result of an unbiased tribunal dominated he was at “no fault” for the steroid contamination in his system.

That call prompted WADA to enchantment the case—and search a one to 2 yr ban.

“This case had been hanging over me now for almost a yr and the method nonetheless had a very long time to run with a call possibly solely on the finish of the yr,” Sinner mentioned in an announcement in February accepting the suspension. “I’ve all the time accepted that I’m chargeable for my crew and notice WADA’s strict guidelines are an vital safety for the game I like.

“On that foundation I’ve accepted WADA’s provide to resolve these proceedings on the idea of a three-month sanction.”

Within the Sky Sports Italy, Sinner mentioned the choice to just accept the ban was made comparatively rapidly—and although he had reservations he acted on the recommendation of his authorized crew.

“The choice to take the three-month suspension was moderately fast,” Sinner mentioned. “We accepted it fairly rapidly, although I did not agree fully.

“There was a little bit of backwards and forwards with my lawyer and the individuals round me. After we took this resolution, it took me some time to seek out myself once more.”

US Open champion Sinner is serving his suspension from February ninth to 11:59 pm on Could 4th. Which means Sinner is eligible to return earlier than devoted Italian followers on Rome’s crimson clay in Could.

Regardless of the stormy controversy surrounding his case, Sinner says he’s calm and anticipating his Rome return.

“I’m nonetheless right here. There may be nonetheless a little bit of time to digest all this, however I am unable to wait to be again in Rome,” Sinner mentioned. “It is a particular event for me, although it should additionally very robust.

“I will be again in a second through which there might be already numerous consideration on me, and in Rome it is not straightforward. However for example I’m residing daily in a peaceful method.”

In his absence, a number of of Sinner’s rivals have been requested their response to his three-month suspension.

Some aren’t pulling punches.

Grand Slam king Novak Djokovic mentioned he personally finds the case “unusual” and shared different gamers consider the world No. 1 was proven “favoritism” in that his suspension ends in Could.

The timing of the suspension means the reigning US Open and Australian Open champion is not going to miss a serious and may proceed his pursuit of the calendar Grand Slam.

“Jannik can have a three-month suspension on account of some errors and negligence of some members of his crew, who’re engaged on the tour,” Djokovic instructed the media in Doha earlier this season. “That is additionally one thing that I personally and lots of different gamers discover unusual.

“I’ve spoken to a number of gamers within the locker room, not solely in the previous few days but in addition within the months earlier than.

“Most of them aren’t happy with how the entire course of has gone and don’t suppose it was truthful. Many consider that there was favoritism.”

Requested what response he expects to obtain from rivals, Sinner mentioned time will inform and maintained his innocence.

“I am unable to reply this query as I do not know what may occur,” Sinner mentioned. “I understand how issues went, I do know I’m harmless.

“I’m calm as a result of ultimately I do know that what I wish to do is to play tennis and be serene. That is the tip of the story. So, I’m positive all will go nicely, even when in the beginning it should take some time to start out over. These are questions I do not know find out how to reply.”

One other key query: How will Sinner come again from this break?

Solidifying his standing as hard-court king, Sinner shredded Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3 Within the Australian Open ultimate efficiently defending his AO championship with command in January.

It was Sinner’s career-best twenty first consecutive victory—he has not misplaced since bowing to Carlos Alcaraz within the Beijing ultimate final fall—and his twenty first straight Grand Slam hard-court victory.

Can Sinner proceed using the successful wave in Rome and later Roland Garros?

Initially, the world No. 1 mentioned he spent his days calendar gazing—counting down the times till his comeback.

Just lately, Sinner has put his time to extra sensible functions engaged on strengthening his sport and his thoughts for his highly-anticipated return.

“I finished doing what I all the time dreamed of doing. I’m in the perfect place to play this sport,” Sinner mentioned.

“At first I counted the times, however now daily that goes by, because the time will get nearer, I really feel higher bodily and mentally.

“Even when there’s nonetheless time, it’s a good alternative for me to enhance in these areas through which I had difficulties, on a floor on which I battle. So, let’s attempt to do one thing totally different. Hopefully it really works—in any other case we can have extra time to attempt once more.”