The doping case involving Jannik Sinner has been one of the most discussed topics in recent months. As everyone knows, the world number 1 was found positive for Clostebol in two different checks carried out in March, while the Italian ace was playing the Indian Wells Masters 1000.

The 2-time Grand Slam champion was provisionally suspended but – having immediately understood the origin of his contamination – he was able to continue playing without problems while waiting for the final verdict of ITIA.

The 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria participated in various hearings in the following months and was subjected to a lot of stress, which also had repercussions on the tennis court between spring and summer. Jannik spent several sleepless nights and was struck by an illness during the Wimbledon Championships, failing to play his best tennis in his quarterfinal match against Daniil Medvedev.

ITIA declared him innocent shortly before the start of the US Open, where Sinner triumphed proving to be the best player in the world. Just when the case seemed to be closed, WADA’s decision to appeal against the acquittal was announced. The Italian champion will face a new trial – which will be held no earlier than February 11, 2025 – in which he risks suffering a disqualification of 1 to 2 years.

The cases of Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek have caused a lot of discussions and several players have taken a stand on the matter. The world number 1 risks suffering a heavy penalty that would damage his image, despite having shown that it was an unintentional contamination.

A huge contradiction

The strangest fact is that – after appealing against the acquittal sentence – he opened up to a change in the anti-doping regulations for contamination cases starting from 2027.

On his official X profile, top analyst José Morgado highlighted this contradiction: “Interesting rule change from WADA that will avoid things like what happened with Sinner and Swiatek… Odd that they appealed against Sinner and now changed the rule…”

Not everyone has defended Jannik in recent months. Australian ace Nick Kyrgios has been very strict towards the world number 1 and has attacked him several times, claiming that he has received favorable treatment. Players such as Denis Shapovalov and Lucas Pouille have also been not soft on Sinner, saying changes would be needed to make the anti-doping system fairer.

In a recent interview with ‘Golazo’, ATP legend Ilie Nastase expressed his point of view on Sinner’s doping case: “Well, of course it is a symbolic punishment. Maybe it scared them that Simona Halep returned the result to the CAS.

But if the Italian wasn’t number 1 and was Romanian, how long do you think he would have been suspended? Still two to three years.”

Sinner is practicing hard

Meanwhile, the 2-time Grand Slam champion began his preparation in Dubai along with various members of his team (except Darren Cahill). The 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria will leave for Australia immediately after Christmas, but will not play any official tournament before the Australian Open.

The world No. 1 will play some exhibition matches in the week leading up to the Happy Slam and then try to defend the title he won this year. Jannik has a huge advantage over all his opponents in the ATP ranking, which is why he will remain world number 1 even after the 2025 AO.

These days, it has been announced that the Italian will play the prestigious Doha ATP in February and the Munich ATP on red clay, while he is expected to miss the Monte Carlo Masters 1000 in 2025. Sinner will have to defend almost 12,000 points next season and will have to wait for the CAS in Lausanne to know his fate.

If he is not disqualified, the Italian champion has an excellent chance of remaining at the top of the ATP ranking throughout 2025. It will not be easy for his opponents to bridge the gap that separates them from Jannik, the result of an almost unreal consistency for a player of just 23 years old.

During a long interview with ‘Esquire’, the World No.1 explained how some opponents helped him improve his game: “A player who has made me grow a lot is Medvedev. I had never done serve and volley, and he forced me to practice that to try to beat him. Against some players, I have to do more of a long backhand.

For me, losing often to Novak Djokovic taught me a lot. It’s good for you; it wakes you up. In football, you might play against Ronaldo and realize you have to prepare better next time. But when is the next time? In tennis, we have more opportunities to make up for it.”