Jannik Sinner’s training plans have taken a significant hit after the Monte-Carlo Country Club confirmed its compliance with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations, preventing him from practicing there during his suspension.
The world No. 1 and three-time Grand Slam champion is currently serving a three-month suspension following a settlement with WADA in his doping case. His suspension was announced on February 15 and backdated to February 9, allowing him to return to ATP competition on May 5.
Under the terms of his suspension, the 23-year-old is barred from training at recognized venues until mid-April. A WADA statement clarified:
“Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Sinner will serve his period of ineligibility from 9 February 2025 to 11:59 pm on 4 May 2025 (which includes a credit for four days previously served by the athlete while he was under a provisional suspension). As per Code Article 10.14.2, Mr. Sinner may return to official training activity from 13 April 2025.”
Based in Monte Carlo, Sinner was initially believed to be able to train at the prestigious Monte-Carlo Country Club, a private members-only facility. However, the club has now confirmed its affiliation with both the French and Monegasque tennis federations, meaning it falls under WADA’s restrictions.
A statement from the club explained:
“The Monte-Carlo Country Club is affiliated with both tennis federations: French and Monegasque. It is a private club, but this does not exempt it from its obligations, namely that of affiliation: Monegasque because it is the tennis club of the Principality, but a club of such size could not have been built on Monegasque territory, and French because it is located on French territory in Roquebrune Cap Martin.”
As one of the most renowned training bases for top ATP players, the Monte-Carlo Country Club is also the host venue for the Monte Carlo Masters. Sinner reached the semi-finals of the event in 2024, losing to eventual champion Stefanos Tsitsipas in three sets. However, this year, he will be unable to compete, as the tournament runs from April 7-13, while his suspension remains in effect.
Sinner’s absence extends to four Masters 1000 tournaments—Indian Wells, the Miami Open, the Monte Carlo Masters, and the Madrid Open. As the defending champion in Miami, he will lose a significant number of ranking points, along with quarter-final points in Madrid. His Indian Wells semi-final points had already been revoked when his suspension was initially imposed.
With his training options now more limited, Sinner faces additional challenges in preparing for his return to the tour in May.
