“I have accepted Wada’s offer to resolve these proceedings on the basis of a three-month sanction,” an emotional Jannik Sinner said while accepting the WADA’s 3-month ban. After a drama that went on for around a year, the decision was finally made and the Italian came to terms with it, despite the fact that he will lose 1600 ranking points and might even lose his No. 1 position in the ATP rankings as a result. However, this out-of-court settlement between WADA and Sinner has not pleased everyone. The likes of Nick Kyrgios and others have slammed the anti-doping organization for mismanagement. But amid the criticism, the decision also has a few backers.

Jannik Sinner’s doping case was a big tennis story before the 2024 U.S. Open. On August 20, the ITIA announced he tested positive for clostebol, a banned steroid, at the Indian Wells in March. Sinner was the world No. 1 at the time and although he was handed a brief provisional suspension, he quickly appealed against it and in an independent hearing, it was found that he bore no fault or negligence. The ITIA accepted that the drug came from contamination and it was unintentional. Sinner’s fitness coach Umberto Ferrara bought a healing spray and his physio Giacomo Naldi then used it to treat his own would. Later, he massaged Sinner’s back and treated his feet, causing unintentional exposure.

Mark Petchey, the former coach of the legendary Andy Murray and ATP legend, shared his thoughts on this whole issue on X. “So Sinner gets a multi-million dollar fine in lost earnings. More than likely loses his Number One ranking but people want more,” Petchey wrote on X.

In another post, he suggested that it is a win-win situation for WADA as well. “WADA also may not have won the appeal, so they also get to stay relevant. This isn’t just about Jannik. A win for them. Every single expert in this case says he was not guilty of the intention to cheat or that the drug found had any performance-enhancing benefit to him. Anyone suggesting, insinuating otherwise is lying,” Petchey added.

Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek‘s doping saga even forced WADA to bring significant changes to their rules. Italian media reported that WADA’s Executive Committee met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and approved changes to anti-doping rules. These changes will take effect on January 1, 2027. One key change is the introduction of a new minimum reporting level. This will help prevent cases where only a tiny amount of a banned substance is detected in the samples. If implemented, situations like Jannik Sinner’s case might not have surfaced.

With the Italian finally being handed the ban, he will now return to the court for the French Open. However, there are still many who are not impressed by the decision.

WADA’s decision sparks frustration in tennis community

Nick Kyrgios, one of Jannik Sinner’s biggest critics, was among those who questioned WADA’s decision, expressing his frustration on X. He suggested Sinner’s team managed to secure a three-month ban without losing titles or prize money, adding, “Guilty or not? Sad day for tennis. Fairness in tennis does not exist.” British player Liam Broady also reacted with surprise, writing, “Didn’t realize you could reach a settlement regarding a doping ban … Interesting. Back in time for the French Open, I guess?”

Former British No. 1 Tim Henman criticized the ruling as “too convenient” and warned that it would leave fans with a “pretty sour taste.” Henman stated that he did not believe Sinner had intentionally cheated, but the decision felt questionable. “When I read this statement this morning, it just seems a little bit too convenient,” Henman said. He argued that anti-doping rules should be strict and clear-cut, with no room for interpretation. “When you’re dealing with drugs in sport, it has to be black and white, it’s binary, it’s positive or negative, you’re banned or you’re not banned,” the Brit added.

With the debate ongoing, what do you feel should have ideally happened in this case? Let us know in the comments below!