Sinner Returns at Italian Open After Doping Ban

World number one Jannik Sinner has returned to professional tennis at the Italian Open in Rome after serving a three-month suspension for an anti-doping violation. The 23-year-old Italian, who last competed in January when he secured his third Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, resumed training in mid-April and is now preparing for his first match on May 9.

Suspension Details and Resolution

Sinner’s suspension stemmed from two positive tests for clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid, during the Indian Wells tournament in March 2024. An independent tribunal initially accepted his explanation that the substance entered his system inadvertently through a massage from his physiotherapist, who had used a spray containing clostebol to treat a cut on his own hand. Despite this ruling, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the decision, emphasizing the principle of strict liability. In February 2025, Sinner agreed to a case resolution with WADA, accepting a three-month period of ineligibility from February 9 to May 4.

Return and Public Reception

Upon his return, Sinner received a warm welcome from fans during his practice session at the Foro Italico, with approximately 5,000 spectators in attendance. He expressed modest expectations for his performance at the Italian Open, acknowledging the challenges of regaining match fitness after the suspension. Sinner also reflected on the personal impact of the ban, noting that the inability to participate in any sporting events during the suspension was particularly difficult.

Despite the hiatus, Sinner has maintained his ATP No. 1 ranking, benefiting from the early exits of competitors such as Alexander Zverev in recent tournaments. His upcoming match will be against either Mariano Navone or Federico Cina in the second round of the Italian Open. Sinner aims to use this tournament to rebuild his form ahead of the French Open later in May.

The case has sparked discussions within the tennis community regarding the consistency and transparency of anti-doping regulations. Some players and observers have questioned the perceived leniency of Sinner’s suspension, while others have called for a review of the protocols to ensure fairness across all cases.