In the spring of 2024, the Italian tested positive for clostebol twice. However, the world number 2 was given a one-day ban after the ITIA found he bore no fault or negligence for what happened.
WADA intervened – challenging the ITIA ruling – and the two parties were scheduled to appear before a CAS judge. But just before their scheduled court date, WADA and the Italian tennis star agreed to a three-month doping ban, which ran from February 9 to May 4.
The original explanation was that Sinner’s fitness coach Umberto Ferrara purchased an over-the-counter spray that was contaminated and then used by physio Umberto Ferrara while massaging the 24-year-old. That is why the ITIA initially cleared the four-time Grand Slam champion and decided not to issue a ban.
Kafelnikov, a former two-time Grand Slam champion, has a high opinion of the Italian’s tennis but suggests the doping case has damaged the image of the reigning Wimbledon champion.
“A little bit, for sure. But it’s not for me to judge. He’s great for the game of tennis. Look what’s happening in Italy at the moment: tennis is exploding in popularity, even compared to football. The rivalry with Alcaraz is also fantastic for the sport, and hopefully it will continue for many years to come,” said Kafelnikov, the gold medalist at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. CLAY.
What Sinner said after settling with WADA?
While serving a three-month doping ban, Sinner maintained his innocence and suggested he only agreed to settle because it was “the lesser evil.”
“In the end you have to choose the lesser evil and I believe I did that. Even though sometimes it seems a bit unfair, all I live, but if I look at things from a different perspective, it could have been worse. Even more unfairness. That’s how it is,” the Italian said in April.
After completing his doping suspension, Sinner won his first Wimbledon title and went on to win four more titles over the remainder of 2025.
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