Jannik Sinner receiving a 3-month ban in the doping scandal is something not many ATP pros are able to understand. Last week, WADA released a statement confirming that “it has entered into a case resolution agreement” with the three-time Major winner. Previously, he was set to appear in front of the CAS for a proper hearing. But now there’s no need for it anymore. But Sinner’s 90-day suspension ended up sparking harsh reactions from the tennis fraternity. And among the strongest critics was none other than Nick Kyrgios. After witnessing the verdict, he wrote on X, “Sad day for tennis. Fairness in tennis does not exist.” Not only Kyrgios, even 24-time Slam winner Novak Djokovic raised a huge question mark on Sinner.

Reacting on the Italian’s ban, Djokovic said in an interaction with Sky Sports, dated February 18, that many players “are not satisfied with how the whole process has gone, and they don’t think it’s fair. Many of them believe there was favouritism.” Former ATP pro Tim Henman also had a similar sentiment on the ban duration. He thinks that the timing “seems a little too convenient,” as reported Sky Sports on February 15. Henman also added that the verdict has left “a pretty sour taste for the sport…”

But now, an official response has come from Sinner’s lawyer who has hit back at the constant criticism against the World No.1 by various tennis pros. Jamie Singer, who represented the Italian in the case, defended him saying, “He was under attack by the players, but they were not aware of all the details.”

Targeting players who raised doubts over Sinner, Singer added, “They were simply expressing their opinion. Tennis players always watch when someone is involved in this kind of situation and on the other hand try to hide it if it happens to them.” According to him, “That’s not fair. There were certain circumstances with Jannik, which are very unusual,” reported Sportklub on February 20.

Probably he was referring to the statement by WADA’s General Counsel Ross Wenzel. Talking to BBC, on February 18, Wenzel revealed, “This was a case that was a million miles away from doping,” while mentioning, “The scientific feedback that we received was that this could not be a case of intentional doping, including micro-dosing.”

Coming back to Sinner, he must be feeling relieved now after all the chaos. While he’s got the ban, for now, the World No.1 seems to be having no real stress. But why so?

Despite a 90-day ban, Jannik Sinner won’t miss anything in 2025 season

After Sinner failed in two tests last year, for banned substance Clostebol, the ITIA set up an investigation. It was carried out by an independent panel which found out, in August, that the Italian didn’t take the substance on purpose. In its verdict, the ITIA termed him not guilty, citing “no fault or negligence.”

However, WADA refused to accept this judgment. A month later, it reached out to the CAS, demanding a proper hearing for the case. Later, the CAS even issued dates for the same in April this year. However, WADA eventually decided to settle the matter with the Italian, on February 15, compelling him to accept a three-month suspension. He will remain out of action between February 9 and May 4.

However, Jannik Sinner was relieved after accepting this penalty. Reason? “This case had been hanging over me for nearly a year and the process still had a long time to run with a decision, maybe only at the end of the year,” he said in a statement released by his lawyers, as reported by BBC on February 15. Continuing further, the 2025 Australian Open winner added, “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.”

Speaking of the ban duration itself, it won’t bother him too much. From April 13, he can resume his official training. Once the suspension gets over on May 4, he will be eligible to participate in his home event in Italy. It will commence from May 7. Later that month, Sinner can then enter this season’s second Major at the Roland Garros. After clinching the Australian Open, he will look to continue his quest to capture another Slam in 2025.