Jannik Sinner denies receiving doping leniency ahead of Italian Open return

Jannik Sinner responds to criticism over anti-doping case as he prepares for return at Italian Open following three-month suspension.

Jannik Sinner of Italy speaks to the media at Stade IGA on August 5, 2024, in Montreal, Canada. Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Jannik Sinner has firmly rejected claims that he benefited from special treatment in his recent doping case, as the world number one gets ready to make his highly anticipated return to competitive tennis at next week’s Italian Open in Rome. The tournament marks his first official appearance since serving a three-month suspension, a period clouded by criticism and debate within the tennis community.

The 22-year-old Italian, who has taken the ATP Tour by storm with three Grand Slam titles in 2024, addressed growing concerns over his case with a candid interview, asserting that he was subjected to rigorous scrutiny rather than favoritism. Jannik Sinner denies doping leniency echoes throughout his statements, as the rising tennis star emphasized his innocence and the challenges he endured.

Sinner defends his position in doping controversy

Speaking to Italy's public broadcaster RAI, Sinner voiced frustration over accusations that he was treated differently by anti-doping authorities.

"I've been criticised for supposedly being treated differently, but it's not true," he said. "I've had to go to a lot of hearings and they've probably tested me more than others."

Sinner’s ordeal began in March of the previous year when he tested positive on two occasions for clostebol, a banned anabolic substance. However, both the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) concluded that the substance was introduced accidentally and did not enhance his performance.

According to the findings, the presence of clostebol was due to a topical spray applied by his physiotherapist to treat a minor skin wound prior to a massage session. Despite this conclusion, Sinner was not immediately exonerated and remained under a cloud of suspicion that ultimately resulted in a negotiated three-month suspension earlier this year.

No intent to cheat, WADA confirms

While WADA acknowledged in its statement that Sinner “did not intend to cheat,” it initially appealed the ITIA’s full exoneration to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), prolonging the legal uncertainty hanging over the player.

In February, Sinner agreed to a retroactive three-month suspension, which ends this Sunday, thus allowing him to compete in Rome. Though the resolution cleared his name in legal terms, public opinion remained divided.

Critics, including Olympic swimming champion Federica Pellegrini, questioned whether Sinner was handed a more favorable deal due to his growing prominence and popularity. Some players on the men's tour expressed quiet dissatisfaction, believing the handling of the case deviated from standard procedures applied to others facing similar violations.

The emotional toll and career impact

The allegations and disciplinary process came at a pivotal moment in Sinner’s career. After a stellar 2024 in which he claimed titles at the Australian Open, US Open, and ATP Finals, Sinner entered 2025 with a second straight win in Melbourne. However, he revealed that the pressure and suspicion became overwhelming.

"I really had a hard time accepting the three months because in my mind, I didn’t do anything wrong," Sinner said. "When there's contamination, as happened to me, or if you ingest something while eating without realising it, and the doctors say it doesn't give you more strength or clarity, that's a different matter. There's a whole protocol."

The reigning world number one admitted to hitting an emotional low during his Australian Open campaign, confessing he considered walking away from tennis altogether due to the “heavy atmosphere” around him.

"I wasn't comfortable in the dressing room, the other players looked at me differently," he said. "I didn't like it at all. I felt like being in tennis with that atmosphere was too much. I was always someone who joked about, who went in the dressing room speaking with whoever, but it became different, I wasn't at ease."

Sinner looks to move forward at home

Despite the setbacks, Sinner is now focused on rebuilding trust and regaining his momentum, starting with his return at the Italian Open in Rome, a tournament that carries added emotional significance. As Italy’s top tennis star and one of the sport’s most promising figures, he will have the support of a passionate home crowd eager to see him back in form.

The tournament also serves as a crucial warm-up for Roland Garros, where Sinner will be aiming to add to his major trophy haul. But more than silverware, the Italian star is seeking redemption—not just for himself, but to send a message to young athletes navigating the complexities of professional sports and anti-doping compliance.

"I don’t want to respond to criticism, people are free to say what they want and judge people," Sinner said. "What matters to me is that I know what I’ve been through. It was difficult and I wouldn’t wish anyone to go through that as an innocent person."

A critical spotlight on anti-doping transparency

Sinner’s case has also reignited discussions around the fairness and transparency of anti-doping protocols in tennis. Critics argue that similar contamination scenarios have resulted in harsher sanctions for less prominent athletes, while governing bodies insist that all cases are assessed individually and according to established scientific and legal standards.

With the world number one now returning to the spotlight, WADA and the ITIA may come under renewed scrutiny, especially if similar incidents arise in the future. How they handle those cases will shape public perception and the credibility of anti-doping enforcement in tennis.

Sinner, for his part, is determined to let his racket do the talking from now on. If his past performances are any indication, he may yet silence critics through excellence on the court—starting in Rome.

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