Sinner: Short Break, He’ll Be Competitive Again – Panatta

Rome: Italian tennis great Adriano Panatta expressed confidence that Jannik Sinner’s three-month doping ban would only constitute a short break, allowing the world number one to return in competitive form. Sinner aims to add the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open to his Australian Open title, aspiring to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to achieve a yearly Grand Slam.

According to Ansa News Agency, Panatta discussed Sinner’s situation on Rainews 24, addressing the three-month suspension agreed upon with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) following the clostebol Indian Wells doping case. Panatta remarked, “It’s the most practical choice, it avoids him missing the entire season. He’ll miss some tournaments, but he’ll be able to play the most important ones, Rome, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon.”

Panatta also highlighted the emotional toll the situation had on Sinner, stating, “I always find it unfair, but at least he gets rid of this thought that’s been in his head for too long.” He further commented on WADA’s actions, saying, “WADA wanted to impose itself to say we exist, so the principle of objective responsibility was reaffirmed, but I’ve always said that Sinner had nothing to do with it.”