Nick Kyrgios reacts to Jannik Sinner’s WADA settlement being harshly called ‘end of the anti-doping system’ by expert

Nick Kyrgios recently reacted to doping expert Professor Fritz Sorgel’s harsh criticism of Jannik Sinner’s WADA settlement, which Sorgel called the “end of the anti-doping system.” Sinner accepted a three-month ban starting February 9 and ending May 4, 2025, after testing positive for clostebol twice during the 2024 Indian Wells Masters.

Initially, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) ruled that Sinner was not responsible for the Anti-Doping Rule violations. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking a one-to-two-year suspension. WADA later accepted Sinner’s explanation and imposed a reduced three-month ban.

Fritz Sorgel: WADA’s Settlement With Sinner Undermines Anti-Doping Efforts

Speaking to Sport1, pharmacologist Fritz Sorgel condemned WADA’s handling of the case, calling it a “self-abandonment” of the anti-doping system. He argued that the settlement undermines the fundamental principle of strict liability, which holds athletes fully accountable for substances in their bodies.

“What WADA has done means the end of the anti-doping system in its current form. The extent to which it is accommodating Sinner here is, in effect, the complete undermining of the principle of strict liability,” Sorgel said (translated from German).

Sorgel further described the settlement as “devastating,” warning that it sets a precedent allowing future athletes to seek lenient punishments for positive doping tests by citing Sinner’s case.

“This means that the system has lost an anchor; in future, anyone will be able to refer to the Sinner case and demand a lenient punishment—as long as they can come up with some flimsy excuse,” he continued.

Sorgel also accused WADA of tailoring the punishment to protect Sinner’s ranking and Grand Slam participation, stating:

“It seems quite obvious that WADA has offered Sinner a customized solution: a deal that won’t make him miss a Grand Slam or cost him his No. 1 ranking. He struck at the right time and avoided the uncertainty of going to CAS.”

According to Sorgel, tennis has compromised its integrity with the handling of Sinner’s case.

“Tennis hasn’t played a glorious role in the fight against doping, but in this case, it has thrown its remaining decency overboard. It’s bitter that WADA is going along with this,” he concluded.

Nick Kyrgios Reacts to Sorgel’s Criticism

Nick Kyrgios, who has been critical of Sinner since his positive test results, responded to Sorgel’s remarks with a simple but telling reaction on social media. The Australian posted a “shrugging” emoji on X (formerly Twitter), seemingly agreeing with the expert’s stance.

“🤷‍♂️,” Kyrgios posted.

Jannik Sinner Reacts to His Suspension

In a statement provided to Sky Sports News via his lawyers, Sinner acknowledged WADA’s strict rules and expressed relief that the case had finally been resolved.

“This case had been hanging over me for nearly a year. I have always accepted that I am responsible for my team and realize WADA’s strict rules are an important protection for the sport I love. On that basis, I have accepted WADA’s offer to resolve these proceedings with a three-month sanction.”

Sinner is expected to return to competition at the 2025 Italian Open and can begin training ahead of his suspension’s conclusion on May 4.