Billionaire ex-tennis star says sport is ‘rigged to the core’ as he addresses Jannik Sinner doping ban

Ion Tiriac Claims Tennis is “Rigged to the Core” After Jannik Sinner’s Doping Ban

Billionaire businessman and former ATP player Ion Tiriac has made explosive claims about the state of tennis, arguing that the sport has been “rigged to the core” following Jannik Sinner’s doping suspension.

Sinner’s Suspension and WADA’s Appeal

Sinner, the current world No. 1, was handed a three-month suspension after testing positive for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol in March 2024 during and after the Indian Wells Masters. Initially, an independent tribunal ruled that he bore “no fault or negligence,” accepting his explanation that the substance entered his system through accidental contamination from a spray used by his former physiotherapist.

However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the decision, pushing for a longer suspension of up to two years. After months of legal battles, Sinner and WADA reached an agreement, enforcing a suspension from February 9 to May 4. While Sinner will miss ATP 500 and Masters 1000 events, he will return in time for the Italian Open and avoid missing any Grand Slam tournaments.

Tiriac’s Controversial Take on Cheating in Tennis

In a letter to L’Equipe, Tiriac criticized the doping exemption system, claiming that it has legitimized cheating in professional sports.

“The day WADA accepted the first so-called ‘TUE’ (Therapeutic Use Exemption) for an athlete to take blacklisted substances, that’s when cheating was completely legalized. The system has collapsed,” wrote Tiriac.

He further alleged that many athletes benefit from multiple exemptions without ever testing positive, calling it a deception of the sport, competitors, and the public.

“There are thousands of athletes, and probably hundreds in my sport, who have up to 14 or 15 exemptions and still don’t test positive. The game is rigged, my friends, and rigged to the core.”

Tiriac, a former coach of stars like Ilie Nastase and Boris Becker, raised concerns about the fairness of competition, arguing that players granted TUEs may gain a 10-30% advantage over their opponents.

A Divisive Debate in Tennis

Tiriac’s claims add fuel to the growing debate over fairness and anti-doping regulations in tennis. While some share his concerns, others see the system as necessary to support athletes with legitimate medical conditions.

With Sinner set to return to competition soon, the controversy surrounding his case remains a hot topic in the tennis world.