Jannik Sinner can’t catch a break. The World No. 1 has spent months battling a doping case that refuses to go away. Since August 2024, the Italian star has been stuck in a whirlwind of legal drama, speculation, and controversy. The saga took a fresh twist when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) escalated his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Just when it seemed like a long, drawn-out hearing was inevitable, Sinner struck a deal—agreeing to a three-month suspension in a move that sent shockwaves through the tennis world. Some called it justice. Others called it favoritism. Everyone had an opinion. As the debate rages on, one of Sinner’s biggest supporters has weighed in—Filippo Volandri, Italy’s Davis Cup captain. What did he say?

Volandri, who has been in Sinner’s corner for years, believes the suspension is a tough break but also an opportunity. “According was like getting rid of a boulder. It’s a nightmare and now going to the practice there are these three months to plan, which are a lot for a sportsman,” the ex Italian tennis player told SuperTennis TV. He further continued, “It is an opportunity to have three months that an athlete usually doesn’t have: it will be necessary to set technical objectives, because he still has room for improvement, and physical objectives, because if we want Roland Garros to win he still needs a little resistance.”

Sinner’s troubles began in March 2024, when traces of clostebol—a banned substance—were found in his system. The Italian has maintained from the start that he never knowingly took the drug, claiming it entered his body through treatment prescribed by his physiotherapist.The ruling means the 23-year-old tennis star will be out of competition from February 9 to May 4. Fortunately for him, the suspension won’t keep him from competing in any Grand Slams. The French Open, which kicks off on May 25, remains within reach. But he will miss three major ATP 1000 events—Indian Wells, the Miami Open, and the Madrid Open.

Volandri’s words carry extra weight because he’s been in Sinner’s shoes before. In 2009, as a 27-year-old pro, Volandri was handed a three-month suspension after testing positive for excessive levels of salbutamol, an asthma medication. Like Sinner, Volandri’s case wasn’t considered intentional doping. The tribunal acknowledged that he hadn’t taken the substance to enhance performance. Now, years later, he finds himself defending another Italian player caught in a similar storm.

Amidst the backlash, WADA has also explained his decision on the agreement.

WADA claims that Jannik Sinner’s case is “million miles away from doping”

Jannik Sinner’s suspension sparked immediate controversy. WADA had initially pushed for a two-year ban, so why the sudden shift? Some players and fans felt the decision raised questions about fairness.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka didn’t hold back, taking to X to write, “I don’t believe in a clean sport anymore.” Novak Djokovic also voiced his skepticism, questioning the process and suggesting there is “favouritism.”

To clear the air, WADA general counsel Ross Wenzel explained the reasoning behind the reduced ban. He told BBC Sport, “This was a case that was a million miles away from doping.The scientific feedback that we received was that this could not be a case of intentional doping, including micro-dosing.” Talking about the timing of the ban he said, “ The sanctions that we impose and the code even says this, they’re blind to the calendar. The correct sanction should be imposed and it comes into effect when it comes into effect and it shouldn’t be modulated or modified to take into account whether the events that are coming up are significant or not significant.”

Wenzel also pointed out that WADA has been using case resolution agreements since 2021, allowing athletes to settle under specific circumstances. According to Wenzel, around 67 similar agreements have been reached since the rule change.

With the ban in place, Jannik Sinner is now focusing on making the most of his time off the court. While the Italian will have to wait until May to rejoin the tour, he can officially start practising from 13th April. All eyes will be on how he performs when he returns. Will he come back stronger—or will the controversy follow him? What do you think?