Jannik Sinner Nears Two-Year Ban, Doping Hearing Ahead

On Sunday, Jannik Sinner secured consecutive Australian Open titles, beating Alexander Zverev in the men’s singles final at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena. Sinner triumphed with a 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 win in a largely dominant performance.

Sinner’s title defense journey included victories over Nicolas Jarry, Tristan Schoolkate, Marcos Giron, Holger Rune, and Alex de Minaur before he triumphed over Ben Shelton in the semi-finals in straight sets.

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When is Jannik Sinner’s hearing with the CAS?

This marks Jannik Sinner’s third Grand Slam title, but the 2025 Australian Open may be his final Major this year as he approaches a CAS hearing for his doping case. His hearing is set for April 16-17, and if the verdict goes against him, he could face a ban of up to two years.

In his post-match press conference after defeating Zverev, reporters asked Sinner about his upcoming hearing. He responded, “It’s hard to say. I’m not thinking about it right now. I just had an incredible run here and want to enjoy this moment. They set the hearing date, and that’s all I know. For now, I want to savor this moment.”

Sinner’s US Open title run last year was surrounded by controversy after it was disclosed that he tested positive for clostebol twice in March. However, an independent tribunal accepted his defense, ruling that the positive tests were the result of unintentional contamination. The Italian explained that the steroid entered his system when his physio used a spray to treat a cut, followed by a massage and therapy.

The controversy also led Sinner to part ways with his physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi and athletic trainer Umberto Ferrara at the end of August last year. Sinner held both of them responsible for the unintentional contamination.

In an interview with La Stampa, Naldi said, “I hope that, sooner or later, I’ll have the chance to share my side of the story to provide a clearer picture. From how the public has interpreted this situation, it seems like it’s entirely my fault. But that’s not true, as anyone who has read the verdict would know. I understand that not everyone has taken the time to do so.”

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