The verdict should have put the matter to rest. Instead, it ignited another firestorm. Jannik Sinner was initially handed an 8-day suspension for his two doping test failures in March, despite ITIA’s ruling of “no fault or negligence.” The verdict raised eyebrows. However, the storm grew stronger when WADA re-appealed to CAS for a stricter punishment in September. Five months later, the sword fell once more. Sinner received another suspension of 3 months. But the debate didn’t settle. Critics signaled the favoritism theory. As more controversies brewed, WADA stepped in. But their response only added more fuel to the fire.

Sinner’s final verdict drew criticisms from personalities like Novak Djokovic, Jessica Pegula, and Stan Wawrinka, Tara Moore who expressed strong disillusionment in the system, hinting at bias towards Sinner. British player Liam Broady said, “I do think a lot has been put into when the ban would take place, to impact Jannik’s career as little as possible.” His statement echoed Jessica Pegula’s sentiment who believed the process was completely broken.

Amidst the criticisms, WADA’s general counsel, Ross Wenzel came forward with an official statement. He said, “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.”

Reflecting on the fraternity’s accusations of unfairness, Wenzel added, “in some respects, if you have some saying this is unfair on the athlete, and others saying it’s not enough, maybe it’s an indication that although it’s not going to be popular with everyone, maybe it’s an indication that it was in the right place.”

He also gave a reason behind the controversial timeline. “So it happened, because of the timing of the CAS proceedings, it happened to be decided last Friday, it was a very late night, and it came into effect immediately. 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,” said Wenzel.

Despite his clarification, it is hard to say whether WADA’s statement would satisfy the critics. This suspension sidelined Sinner from four ATP Masters 1000 titles (Miami, Indian Wells, Madrid, and Monte Carlo) with the loss of 1600 ranking points. However, he can return easily before the French Open and have a warm-up on clay with the ATP Masters Rome. Needless to say, minimal impact on Sinner’s long-term prospects is expected. This coincidence sparked controversy and left even Jannik Sinner’s staunch supporter Andy Roddick surprised. In an episode of Served, dated 15th February, he called it “strange or… you know best coincidences that’s ever happened to the Sinner team.”

While the controversy refuses to die down, Jannik Sinner isn’t all on the outs. Fellow ATP players like Casper Ruud, Richard Gasquet, and Feliciano Lopez extended their support for the Italian after the backlash erupted.

Despite criticisms, Jannik Sinner’s gets backing from his peers

When the whole world targeted Jannik Sinner, Casper Ruud, participating in an exhibition event in Guadalajara,  put forward his best compliment for the Italian. “I know Jannik very well. I’m with him. I think he’s a good guy. Of course, after this, he will still be the best player in the world,” said Ruud. His sentiment was echoed in his  fellow Guadalajara participant Richard Gasquet’s comment, who said, “Jannik is a great guy, he has a great personality and he is very nice on the court, he will be back soon, that’s the most important thing.”

Even French coach Feliciano Lopez took Sinner’s side. When Stan Wawrinka tweeted on 15th February, “I don’t believe in a clean sport anymore …”, Lopez responded him stating his faith in the system. He believed longer suspension wouldn’t have been justified in Sinner’s case.

Above all, the Italian accepted the suspension with grace, bearing full responsibility for his team. He will be suspended till 4th May with a possibility of a comeback at the French Open. While many think it might not affect Sinner’s consistency or momentum, let’s see if the Italian can truly cement his brilliance with his return after 3 months away.