Jannik Sinner, the current World No. 1 in tennis, has found himself in the midst of controversy as he faces a three-month suspension following a doping scandal. The suspension, which was announced on February 15, 2025, comes after Sinner tested positive for the banned substance Clostebol during the 2024 Indian Wells Masters. Here’s everything you need to know about Sinner’s ban, his comeback plans, and what his future looks like heading into major events like the French Open.
The Doping Controversy: How Did Jannik Sinner Get Here?
Jannik Sinner’s meteoric rise to the top of the tennis world has been disrupted by a doping incident that has shocked fans and pundits alike. The Italian tennis sensation tested positive for Clostebol twice last year, leading to an initial investigation. According to Sinner, the substance entered his system through a contaminated batch of medicine provided by his physio. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) investigated and was satisfied with Sinner’s explanation. As a result, he faced a penalty of lost prize money and points, but no suspension was initially imposed.
However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) disagreed with the ITIA’s decision and decided to contest it. After lengthy deliberations, Sinner agreed to serve a three-month suspension, which began on February 9, 2025.
This suspension means that Sinner, despite his impressive 21-match winning streak, will miss several high-profile tournaments in the coming months.
When Will Jannik Sinner Return to the Tour?
The suspension has a significant impact on Sinner’s schedule. His ban will run through to May 4, 2025, meaning he will miss several key events, including four Masters 1000 tournaments: the Indian Wells Masters, the Miami Open, the Monte-Carlo Masters, and the Madrid Open. Additionally, he already missed the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam earlier in February.
Sinner had originally intended to compete in the Qatar Open, scheduled to begin on February 17, 2025, but his suspension put an end to those plans. After resting following his successful defense of the Australian Open title, he had hoped to play the tournament but will now have to wait for his return.
Fortunately for Sinner, his ban will end just in time for him to make a comeback at the Italian Open, his home tournament, starting May 7, 2025. This marks an exciting opportunity for Sinner, as he will be well-rested and eager to perform. His best result in Rome was a quarterfinal finish in 2022, but this year could see him go even further, especially given his current form.
Can Jannik Sinner Play in the French Open?
Yes, Jannik Sinner will be eligible to compete in the 2025 French Open, which runs from May 25 to June 8. With his suspension lifting on May 4, Sinner will be free to return to action, but his preparation for the second Grand Slam of the year will be limited.
Unlike his competitors, who typically play three to four warm-up tournaments leading up to Roland Garros, Sinner will only have one competitive outing before the French Open: the Italian Open. This could pose a challenge as Sinner heads into the clay court Major with fewer matches under his belt than his rivals.
Sinner’s performance at the French Open has been nothing short of impressive. In 2024, he reached the semifinals for the first time, where he battled arch-rival Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling encounter. Sinner led the match two sets to one before eventually losing in five sets. With his experience from last year, and his continued success on the ATP Tour, Sinner will surely aim for an even deeper run this time around.
What Impact Will the Suspension Have on Sinner’s ATP Ranking?
Jannik Sinner’s suspension will have a significant impact on his ATP ranking. As of February 2025, Sinner holds the No. 1 ranking with 11,830 points. However, due to his absence from several key tournaments, he is set to lose a substantial number of ranking points.
Sinner will lose 500 points from the 2024 Rotterdam title, which he won but failed to defend this year. Additionally, missing the four Masters 1000 events will cost him dearly. Sinner reached the semifinals of both the Indian Wells and Monte-Carlo Masters, racking up 800 points in total, and he was the defending champion at the Miami Open, meaning another 1,000 points are now lost. He also earned 200 points from his quarterfinals finish in Madrid. In total, Sinner will lose about 2,500 points over the course of his suspension.
With this significant drop in points, Sinner’s grip on the No. 1 spot could be in jeopardy. Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz, ranked No. 2 and No. 3 respectively, will have the opportunity to surpass him if they perform well in these upcoming tournaments.
Despite the setbacks, Sinner’s position at the top of the rankings is a testament to his remarkable consistency. He first achieved the No. 1 ranking after a strong showing at the 2024 French Open and has held onto it ever since, a streak that will cross the 50-week mark during his suspension.
The Road Ahead for Jannik Sinner: A Strong Return Expected
Sinner’s suspension may be a setback, but it is far from a career-defining moment. His return to the court in May will be eagerly anticipated, and the Italian star will look to reclaim his position at the top of the game.
As a two-time Grand Slam champion, with victories at both the Australian Open and the US Open, Sinner is already halfway toward a Career Grand Slam. A successful campaign at the French Open would put him even closer to this elusive goal. His rivalry with fellow young star Carlos Alcaraz is set to continue, with both players poised to challenge each other for Major titles in the years to come.
For now, fans will have to wait until May to see Sinner back in action. However, once he returns, the world of tennis will undoubtedly be watching closely to see if he can continue his dominance and secure another major title.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.