Will he get banned or will he not? That question had been hanging over Jannik Sinner’s head like a plot twist waiting to unfold. It didn’t matter that he had just won his third title at the Australian Open. What mattered was the final verdict on his case. It had been nearly a year since the World No.1 tested positive for clostebol, a banned substance. Initially, the ITIA cleared him of any wrongdoing. But then WADA stepped in and the case was appealed. Finally, after much back and forth, WADA and the Italian tennis sensation reached a settlement—Sinner would serve a three-month suspension. But who made the first move? A former American legend has the answer.

Andy Roddick had been one of Jannik Sinner’s biggest supporters from the start. But even he found the final settlement “borderline laughable.” The former World No.1 did some digging and uncovered some behind-the-scenes details. Speaking on his podcast ‘Served,’ Roddick shared what he had learned. He said, “I know for a fact, through sources I’ve been close to, that WADA went to Sinner for a deal. It feels to me like what I suspected all along—that it wasn’t a slam-dunk case for them.”

The former US Open champion laid out the logic behind Sinner’s decision to accept the deal. “So if you’re Sinner, I’m not saying it’s a great thing that he’s suspended for three months. But if I’m in his camp and they offer me this deal—when I’m facing a potential one- or two-year ban that could impact my legacy and prime years—and they tell me I won’t miss any Grand Slams and I’ll be back in Italy before the French Open? I’m signing that deal in two seconds.”

That timing is precisely what has sparked outrage across the tennis world. The World No.1’s suspension runs from February 9 to May 4, 2025, conveniently allowing him to return just in time for the Italian Open. During his ban, he will miss some ATP Masters 1000 events, including the Sunshine Masters (Indian Wells and Miami) and the Madrid Open. However, he can resume official training by April 13, giving him plenty of time to prepare for the clay-court season. By the time the French Open kicks off on May 25, he will be back in full swing.

Despite the debate over who initiated the deal, many in the tennis community aren’t happy with the outcome. And for one player, the decision feels particularly unfair.

‘Bitter Pill to swallow’ for Nicolas Jarry as Jannik Sinner gets shorter sentence

Chilean tennis player Nicolás Jarry knows exactly what it’s like to be in Sinner’s shoes—except his experience came with much harsher consequences.

Back in 2020, Jarry tested positive for ligandrol and stanozolol, two anabolic steroids. The ITF accepted his explanation that the banned substances entered his system through contaminated multivitamins from Brazil. Despite proving he had no intention to dope, he was still handed an 11-month suspension.

So when news broke that Sinner had received just three months, Jarry couldn’t help but feel frustrated.

Speaking at the Rio Open, he said, “I have not read what the reason for the three months was. What I did read is that they declared there was no intention or that they took advantage. I think there are many cases where that happens, including mine, and if so, it’s that simple—only having three months, they should give it to everyone. So it’s a bitter pill to swallow.”

The tennis world may never agree on the answers. But one thing is certain—this case will be talked about for a long time. What do you think? Was justice served, or was it just a well-timed deal?