Jannik Sinner rejected first approach from WADA before accepting settlement in doping ban saga: Reports

Jannik Sinner is away from tennis right now after accepting a three-month ban from the WADA, avoiding another trial where he might have faced up to a year-long suspension.

This way he ensured that he’s not missing any Grand Slam this year while also avoiding any longer suspension, which wouldn’t have been ideal for a player who is technically at the top right now.

However, things weren’t always as smooth as they seem. A new analysis by the BBC has revealed fresh details, suggesting that Sinner was initially hesitant to accept the settlement ban.

His lawyer, Jaime Singer, even admitted that it was "quite tricky" to convince Sinner to accept the ban, as he was adamant about his innocence and resisted the idea, especially since the independent tribunal initially found no grounds for one.

However, Singer eventually made him realize that rejecting the offer could lead WADA to push for a one-year ban, which would have been far worse.

"When I was saying 'Well, look, maybe we should settle for three months', he was saying 'Well, why would we do that if the first independent tribunal found it was no ban at all, why would I accept three months now?'," Jannik Sinner's lawyer said (via BBC).

He added:

"My advice was 'One never knows what's going to happen at a hearing, we know that Wada are pushing for a year, if we don't accept their offer then they will go to court looking for a year and who knows what those three judges could do.' So the possibility of three months, in my view, was a good possibility."

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Jannik Sinner shares his feelings after receiving 3-month doping ban

Jannik Sinner pictured at the 2024 China Open | Image Source: Getty

Jannik Sinner released a brief statement after news broke that he had accepted a three-month doping ban, which began on February 9 and will end on May 4. He acknowledged the responsibilities of his team members—rather, ex-team members—Giacomo Naldi and Umberto Ferrara, adding:

"I have always accepted that I am responsible for my team and realise Wada's strict rules are an important protection for the sport I love. On that basis I have accepted Wada's offer to resolve these proceedings on the basis of a three-month sanction.

When Sinner’s ban ends in May, he is expected to make his comeback at the Italian Open, held on home soil. The tournament is set to run from May 7 to May 18.

After that, the Italian will compete at the French Open, aiming for his second Grand Slam of the year and fourth Major overall. His best result at Roland Garros came in 2024 when he reached the semifinals before falling to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz.