“That’s very strange” – Bjorn Borg delivers bold ‘surprising’ verdict on Jannik Sinner’s doping controversy

Bjorn Borg, the 11-time Grand Slam champion and one of tennis’s most iconic figures, has weighed in on Jannik Sinner’s ongoing doping controversy, describing the situation as “very strange” and “surprising” in a rare interview. The 69-year-old Swede, who dominated the sport in the 1970s with six French Open titles and five Wimbledon crowns, called the Italian’s case “one of the most bizarre in recent memory,” expressing skepticism over the clostebol positive test that led to Sinner’s three-month suspension in early 2025. Borg’s bold verdict, delivered during a September 18, 2025, appearance on *The Tennis Podcast*, has reignited debates about the Anti-Doping Tribunal’s handling of the matter, with the six-time major winner questioning whether the punishment fit the “unintentional” contamination narrative Sinner’s team presented.

Sinner’s Controversy: A Timeline of Turmoil

Sinner, the 24-year-old world No. 2 and 2025 Australian Open champion, tested positive for clostebol, an anabolic steroid, during the Indian Wells Masters in March 2025. The substance, typically used in topical creams for skin conditions, was traced to a massage oil applied by his fitness trainer, Giacomo Naldi, who admitted to using a contaminated product. Sinner, who denied intentional use, faced a provisional suspension but was cleared by the ITF’s Anti-Doping Tribunal after a hearing, receiving a reduced three-month ban retroactive to March 10, 2025. He returned at the French Open in May, reaching the semifinals before losing to Carlos Alcaraz.

The case divided the tennis world. Sinner’s team, including coach Darren Cahill and physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi, claimed it was “human error,” but critics like Nick Kyrgios accused the ITF of leniency: “If it was anyone else, they’d be banned for two years” (Kyrgios on X, March 2025). The tribunal’s decision, detailed in a 200-page report released in April 2025, ruled it “non-intentional” but imposed the ban to uphold deterrence. Sinner has since won three titles, including Wimbledon, but the shadow lingers, with some fans boycotting his matches.

Borg’s Verdict: “Very Strange” and “Surprising”

Borg, who hasn’t competed professionally since 1981 but remains a keen observer, didn’t mince words. “That’s very strange,” Borg said when asked about Sinner’s case. “A top player like Jannik, with all the resources, how does something like this happen? It’s surprising—clostebol in a massage oil? It sounds like a plot twist from a movie.” He praised Sinner’s talent—”He’s one of the best I’ve seen in years, clean or not”—but questioned the ITF’s process: “The punishment was light, three months? For something that could give an edge, even unintentional. It sets a bad precedent.”

Borg’s comments echo his own era’s stricter doping views, when the sport was less regulated. “In my time, we didn’t have these creams and supplements—simpler, but fairer,” he added. The Swede, who endorsed Sinner’s 2024 Davis Cup win, stopped short of accusing intent but called for “clearer rules and harsher tests” to protect the game’s integrity.

Fan and Expert Reactions: Divided Opinions

Borg’s verdict has polarized fans. On X, supporters agreed: “Borg’s right—Sinner’s case is fishy. Three months for clostebol? Slap on the wrist” (@TennisPurist). Critics defended Sinner: “Borg’s out of touch—Sinner was cleared, no fault. Focus on the talent, not conspiracy” (@SinnerArmy). The debate ties into broader doping discussions, like Simona Halep’s four-year ban (reduced to nine months in 2024) for roxadustat.

Experts like John McEnroe called Borg’s take “fair but harsh”: “Jannik’s clean—contamination happens. But Borg’s point on precedents is valid” (Laver Cup presser, September 2025). Patrick Mouratoglou, Sinner’s former coach, backed him: “Accidents occur; the tribunal got it right.”

Sinner’s Response and Future Implications

Sinner, preparing for the China Open (September 24-30), addressed Borg indirectly on Instagram: “Respect to legends like Bjorn, but my focus is the court. Cleared and moving forward.” His 2025 haul—three Slams (Australian Open, Wimbledon, Cincinnati)—keeps him No. 2, but the controversy lingers as he chases No. 1 from Alcaraz.

Borg’s “very strange” verdict adds weight to calls for doping reform, ensuring Sinner’s case remains a flashpoint. As the Italian eyes the WTA Finals, Borg’s words remind: in tennis, talent is king, but trust is fragile.