Remember how the ghost of doping engulfed tennis last season on a major scale? Big names like former WTA World No.1 Iga Swiatek and three-time Major winner Jannik Sinner tested positive for banned substances Trimetazidine (TMZ) and anabolic agent Clostebol, respectively. However, the two eventually got rid of their troubles in 2025. Last month, Swiatek was termed not guilty by WADA. The agency found that her failed test was a result of contamination in her medication, Melatonin. On the other hand, Sinner ended up getting a 3-month ban, last week, after having a settlement with WADA. In his case, too, the agency admitted that he didn’t take Clostebol willingly.

But guess what? Swiatek and Sinner weren’t the only ones to face the doping controversy. There were even some unknown, young faces who were at the receiving end. Take, for example, the case of 23-year-old Brazilian ATP pro Nicolas Zanellato. For the uninitiated, Zanellato’s case surfaced just days after Sinner was cleared by the ITIA, for “no fault or negligence,” in August 2024. Unlike Sinner, Zanellato was handed a provisional ban. Why so? Well, he was tested positive for a banned substance called Boldenone. Due to a failed urine sample provided by him, during the ATP Challenger event in Ibagué in June 2024, he received a suspension, starting from August 12.

Later, on August 20, the Brazilian appealed against this verdict. Zanellato cited “contaminated steak for positive test results” and got a hearing date for August 22. The hearing was conducted by an independent tribunal chair. However, the judgment didn’t go in his favor as the tribunal found the evidence provided to him to be insufficient to prove his point. Since then, Zanellato has been serving the ban for the past few months. But guess what? Now, he’s got a clearance – but how? Well, the ITIA shared a huge update on his case on Thursday. It confirmed that Zanellato is “free to return to play” with immediate effect. Reason?

In its official statement, dated February 20, the ITIA revealed that it “found that Zanellato bore No Fault or Negligence for their Anti-Doping Rule Violation.” Before reaching this decision, the agency conducted a thorough “investigation, which included interviews, review of detailed documentation, and advice from independent WADA-approved scientists.”

Furthermore, the ITIA also cited “similar recent cases from other World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sports” where it gave a decision of “No Fault or Negligence,” like that of Jannik Sinner. Before WADA opted to close out the doping case against World No.1, he had received a clean chit from the ITIA’s independent panel. But everything said and done, the Italian is also free now. Yes, he will be serving the ban for 90 days, but he will be able to make a solid comeback soon. But how?

Despite a 3-month suspension, Jannik Sinner won’t lose a special opportunity in 2025

Jannik Sinner’s ban duration will last from February 9 to May 4. During this period, he will miss out on the following events: Qatar Open, BNP Paribas Open, Miami Open, Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, and Madrid Open. However, he need not worry too much. It’s because Sinner won’t lose his chance to compete at a Slam in 2025!

The 2025 Australian Open winner will get to resume his official training on April 13. After his ban is over on May 4, he will be able to participate in his home event in Italy, starting from May 7. And later that month, Sinner will be eligible to enter this season’s second Slam – the French Open.

In short, his Major quest this season won’t be hampered by the 90-day suspension. After clinching his third Slam title last month, he will get to take a shot at the Roland Garros. There, he will try to capture the fourth overall Major trophy.

More than anything, Sinner must be feeling relieved now. The doping controversy was bothering him – but not anymore. In a statement released by his lawyers, he revealed how “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,” reported BBC on February 15.

It will be intriguing to see how Jannik Sinner will make a promising return on the court after three months. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.