Jannik Sinner’s March 2024 doping ban still casts a long shadow. His controversial three-month suspension keeps coming up with every new anti-doping case. There were claims of preferential treatment linked to Sinner, given how he was let off the hook by ITIA before WADA appealed the case. Now, as another doping case has surfaced with Max Purcell, a doubles Grand Slam champion, being handed a penalty, fans are far from happy!

The 26-year-old Aussie, ranked 12th in doubles, admitted to breaching Article 2.2 of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP) by using a “Prohibited Method.” He requested a provisional suspension starting December 10, 2024, which officially began on December 12, 2024. On Tuesday, the ITIA revealed that Purcell accepted an 18-month ban, lasting until June 11, 2026, factoring in time already served.

ITIA’s post on X sparked worry and backlash for the Aussie. Tennis journalist Pavvy G, a constant voice on doping bans like those of Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek, responded to the ITIA’s tweet. He wrote, “18 month ban for a grand slam champion, where it was confirmed he didn’t intentionally dope but merely had too much vitamins whilst poorly on a IV drip. Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek got tailor made small bans so they wouldn’t miss any slams, it’s biggest ever scandal in Tennis.”

Sinner is currently facing a three-month ban following two positive tests for the anabolic steroid Clostebol in March 2024. He reportedly came into contact with the substance via his former physio, who used a Clostebol-containing spray to treat a cut on his hand before giving Sinner a gloveless massage.

WTA’s No.2 Swiatek faced a doping case in August 2024 after testing positive for trimetazidine (TMZ), a banned substance. The positive test occurred out of competition. The ITIA accepted her explanation that the substance came from a contaminated melatonin product she used for sleep issues and ruled her level of fault was low. As a result, she accepted a one-month suspension, which she served at the end of 2024.

Purcell is completely sidelined during his ban, meaning he cannot play, coach, or attend any tennis events approved by ITIA members. That means no ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Fédération Française de Tennis, Wimbledon, or USTA events until June 11, 2026. Additionally, he will also forfeit results and prize money from December 16, 2023, to February 3, 2024. This includes his 2022 Wimbledon doubles title with Matt Ebden and the 2024 US Open crown with Jordan Thompson. It’s a harsh penalty, and fans aren’t thrilled!

Fans cry foul over drama in anti-doping cases

An Italian fan captured the mood perfectly, asking, “[Translated from Italian] Are you ready for another wave of ‘what about Sinner’?” This reflects the relentless backlash Sinner faces whenever new doping controversies emerge. For instance, another fan exclaimed, “WTH !!! Someone tell me again Sinner’s case was NOT handled differently!!!! Tennis has become an absolute mess !!” The perception that Sinner’s case was treated leniently is widespread.

After testing positive in March 2024, Sinner’s case was initially dismissed by the ITIA in August due to “no fault or negligence,” allowing him to compete freely. But WADA reopened the case in September, pushing for a CAS appeal. Though a two-year ban was speculated, Sinner accepted a three-month ban from February 9 to May 4, 2025.

Critics slammed this as unfair since he missed no Grand Slams and could return for the French Open. Comparisons to Simona Halep’s case, who was initially banned for four years but had her suspension reduced to nine months after appeal, added fuel to the fire.

Sarcasm ran deep, with comments like “But poor Jannik, amirite.” Many show little sympathy for Sinner, viewing his three-month ban as a slap on the wrist, while Purcell gets an 18-month suspension for exceeding IV vitamin infusion limits. One fan’s incredulous reaction summed it up: “This is insane! For vitamins, he got from an IV at the hospital? But someone only gets 3 months lmao A joke!”  

But here’s the twist: Purcell cooperated fully with the ITIA, so they cut 25% off his sentence. The ITIA chief Karen Moorhouse explained, “This case does not involve a player testing positive for a prohibited substance but demonstrates that the anti-doping rules are broader than that. It also shows that the ITIA considers intelligence from a range of sources with the overriding aim to protect everyone covered by the tennis anti-doping rules, and ensure a level playing field for all.” However, fans find it unfair that the penalty remains much harsher than Sinner’s.

Despite the controversy, Sinner remains world No. 1 and has just completed 46 weeks at the top. He’s set to return at the Rome Masters, aiming to silence critics. His doping saga has left a mark, but it hasn’t overshadowed his achievements. Will he come back and stun the critics? Share your thoughts in the comments below!