Jannik Sinner has found himself in the pool of controversy again, all thanks to WADA’s recent verdict on his doping. Testing positive for Clostebol in March due to an ill-fated massage from ex-physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi, Sinner convinced ITIA and escaped his suspension initially with an eight-day ban. However, things took a turn when WADA intervened and appealed to CAS, pushing for a harsher ruling. Months after that, Sinner’s fate is finally cleared with a 3-month suspension, yet, not everybody is satisfied. Daniil Medvedev who supported Sinner at the beginning, clarified his stance with a cryptic remark.

Despite suspending the Italian player, WADA resigned that “Sinner didn’t intend to cheat.” However, they believed the Italian should take responsibility for his team and their negligence. The ATP No. 1 accepted it and said, “I have always accepted that I am responsible for my team and realise WADA’s strict rules are an important protection for the sport I love. On that basis I have accepted WADA’s offer to resolve these proceedings on the basis of a three-month sanction.” Following Sinner’s agreement, WADA withdrew its appeal from CAS and the settlement happened outside the court.

While the verdict was scheduled for April, it was delivered yesterday with the latest update of no more hearings in the future. The final word was that the ATP No. 1 can now no longer attend the Indian Wells, Miami Open, Madrid Open, and Monte Carlo Masters. An added casualty was the loss of 1600 ranking points. The verdict elicited mixed reactions from many, including Medvedev.

Medvedev ended his Open 13 run in Marseilles as a semifinalist. Post-match, he was asked to comment on Jannik Sinner’s suspension and the former ATP No. 1 dropped a cryptic response. “I hope that from now on everyone can talk to WADA and if they tell you: ‘we found this, it’s been two years’, you answer: ‘no, I want one month’. I hope it will set a precedent. Otherwise it would be strange,” said Medvedev. Medvedev’s statement highlighted WADA’s initial appeal for 1 or 2 years of potential suspension. However, Sinner received a 3-month ban from February 9 to May 4 – which will allow him to compete at Roland Garros, starting on 19th May.

Daniil Medvedev has long supported Jannik Sinner throughout this journey. During his 2024 China Open run, Medvedev said, “My point of view is to try to keep my distance, as the situation is very tough for him to handle. Nobody wants to be in that situation. I can’t imagine receiving an email saying I failed a doping test for whatever reason, cocaine or whatever drug you don’t even know the name of,” he said.

Medvedev was scared by Sinner’s situation. He believed Sinner’s understanding about what happened in his case saved him from adverse punishments. He also claimed the doping controversy “will affect the image of tennis.” 

Despite his support, the Russian ATP star knew things were not the same for everyone. For example, Simona Halep tested positive for Roxadustat, which suspended her for four years. Halep, who claimed innocence, fought a hard battle to reduce her suspension to nine months. Although she returned, the long separation from the sport killed her form, forcing her to retire this month. Given Halep’s case, many found ITIA and WADA’s attitude towards Sinner partial.

Medvedev then echoed a similar sentiment. After his first-round win at the 2024 US Open, he said, “I just say that I hope this situation can be the same for every player – like every player can defend himself. Because I think what he (Jannik Sinner) did was within the rules. It’s just that the rules are a little bit vague.”

After Daniil Medvedev, players like Stan Wawrinka or Nick Kyrgios clearly stated their disagreement about WADA’s verdict. Reflecting on the decision, these players questioned the integrity of these committees.

Nick Kyrgios and Stan Wawrinka are unhappy about WADA’s verdict for Jannik Sinner

Disappointed by Sinner’s case, Stan Wawrinka took to his X profile and wrote that he believed tennis became a corrupt sport. “I don’t believe in a clean sport anymore…” he tweeted.

Wawrinka’s tweet shed light on Halep’s confession, who criticized the Sinner and Swiatek’s verdict. “I’m sitting and trying to understand, but it’s really impossible for me to understand something like this. I stand and ask myself, why is there such a big difference in treatment and judgment? I can’t find, and I don’t think there can be, a logical answer.” 

Like Halep, Nick Kyrgios criticized Jannik Sinner and ITIA since day one of this doping saga. He also expressed his disappointment over the latest verdict on X. “So wada come out and say it would be a 1-2 year ban. Obviously sinners 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,” he tweeted.

Despite criticisms, Jannik Sinner will likely return to the court at the French Open. Although he will have lost opportunities at many ranking points, he would remain the ATP No. 1 upon his return; Alexander Zverev – the World No. 2 – is still trailing behind by 3695 points. The case verdict will definitely affect Jannik Sinner’s momentum – but will the top ranker prove all his naysayers wrong on clay? Time will tell.