Jannik Sinner will be itching to get back onto the court, having been handed a three-month ban for doping.
Sinner accepted a three-month ban from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in a case resolution agreement, having failed two drugs tests in 2024.
Italian star Sinner has only just successfully defended his Australian Open title, but is now set to miss out on several upcoming events.
The world number one can, however, make it back onto the court in time for the 2025 French Open, the second Grand Slam of 2025.
Sinner’s ban length and indeed the timing have caused plenty of debate, with the Italian potentially set to return on home soil at the ATP Masters 1000 Rome.
Jack Draper thinks Jannik Sinner ban is not good for tennis
Casper Ruud called Sinner a ‘good guy’ after news of his ban emerged, with their fellow professional Jack Draper now issuing similar praise for the Italian.
“I know Jannik,” British number one Draper told Sky Sports Tennis. “He is a good friend. I know with this whole thing I am sure he would not have done something intentional.
READ MORE: Coco Gauff states all she has to say on Jannik Sinner’s three-month ban from tennis
“But that is the sport and we have to be accountable for what goes in our bodies. He has a ban now for a few months. I don’t think that is good for tennis.
“I do not think it is good for the sport that the number one player in the world and someone who is doing incredible things is having a ban, but he will be back shortly and I wish him all the best and hope he is going to be okay.”
Jannik Sinner boosted by ideal timeframe of three-month ban
It is undoubtedly very tricky for the powers that be to find a consensus when it comes to banning players, with a long list of different issues in play.
But the case of Sinner, which has been very public, will continue to attract attention for some time for various reasons, one of which being his number one status.
The Italian has been at the summit of men’s tennis since last summer, and now has three Grand Slam titles to his name.
Another issue is the seemingly perfect timeframe, which certainly suits the 19-time ATP Tour champion very well indeed.
Not only was he able to compete and win the Australian Open, but he can return in time for the French Open, along with the added bonus of a tournament in Italy.
It remains to be seen, however, how the players will treat him upon that return, although Sinner does have a very good friend in Draper if he is ever at a loss.
The duo trained together ahead of the Australian Open, which came after Sinner beat Draper en route to the 2024 US Open title.
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