Martina Navratilova says what she thinks ‘stinks’ as Jannik Sinner is banned from tennis for three months

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Jannik Sinner has stolen the headlines for all the wrong reasons after his Australian Open win, having been handed a three-month ban for doping.

The tennis world has been constantly reacting to the ban, with Iga Swiatek empathising with Sinner having recently served a one-month ban.

Alex de Minaur wants future doping cases to be similar, with Sinner having been allowed to reach a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Sinner started his suspension on February 9, and will be allowed to return on May 4, although he can conduct official training from April 13.

He is therefore able to return for his home tournament in Italy, the ATP Masters 1000 Rome, with the French Open taking place shortly after.

Martina Navratilova says ‘tennis loses in every way’ as Jannik Sinner is banned

Sinner twice tested positive for banned substance clostebol last year, but was found to have been inadvertently contaminated by his physio Giacomo Naldi.

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova is now the latest to share her verdict on the matter, having written on X: “I think this still stinks.

READ MORE: Andy Roddick reveals what he knows ‘for a fact’ about Jannik Sinner’s ban after having it confirmed by sources

“We are trying to keep out dopers… and Jannik Sinner is not that… this three-month suspension doesn’t help anyone. At least Jannik will be done with this and will have a forced vacation instead. Tennis loses in every way.”

The 18-time Grand Slam champion was reacting to comments from WADA general counsel Ross Wenzel, who said the Italian’s case was “a million miles away from doping” and that he did not get to choose the months of his ban.

Jannik Sinner rivals can close gap during fortunate three-month ban

Sinner will undoubtedly do his utmost to stay in shape despite his “forced vacation”, with his ban coming at a key stage of the season.

He may not be missing any Grand Slam tournaments, which is a huge win, but he is missing out on the chance to stay fresh for the French Open.

READ MORE: Matteo Berrettini confirms whether he has spoken to Jannik Sinner at all as he reacts to his ban from tennis

His ATP Tour rivals are using the current events to do exactly that, with his closest rivals in the rankings doing their best to close the gap on the world number one.

Long story short, however, and Sinner can count himself lucky to be handed such a fortunate timeframe for his ban.

He was not only able to compete at the Australian Open, but he can fight for a fourth career Grand Slam title at Roland Garros.

Many players previously found guilty of doping offences have not been so fortunate, with Sinner likely to be able to quickly put the past behind him when he makes his return.