Jessica Pegula, the world No. 3 and American tennis star, made headlines with a pointed comment about Jannik Sinner’s doping controversy, stating it was “a million times worse” than other recent tennis scandals, as reported by *Daily Express* on June 29, 2025. Speaking at a press conference in London before the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, Pegula addressed the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) decision to impose a three-month ban on Sinner after he tested positive for the banned substance clostebol twice in March 2024 during the Indian Wells tournament. The agreement, announced on February 9, 2025, allowed Sinner to return by May 4, 2025, just in time for the clay season, prompting widespread criticism from players and fans alike.
Pegula’s remark came in response to questions about the fairness of Sinner’s punishment, which many, including Nick Kyrgios and Daniil Medvedev, deemed too lenient. “I think my reaction is that, whether you think he did or you don’t, or whatever side you’re on, the process just seems to be completely not a process,” Pegula told *Tennis Up To Date* on February 16, 2025. She described the resolution as “a million times worse” than other doping cases, citing the lack of transparency and the perception of a negotiated “settlement” as undermining the sport’s integrity. Her comments reflect frustration with a system she believes is “broken,” especially given Sinner’s status as the men’s world No. 1 and his ability to retain his ranking and prize money.[](https://tennisuptodate.com/tennis-news/horrible-look-for-the-sport-jessica-pegula-joins-list-of-active-players-to-criticise-wada-jannik-sinner-agreement-for-three-month-ban)
The controversy has cast a shadow over Sinner’s Wimbledon preparations, where he is seeded No. 1 but not favored to win, with Carlos Alcaraz tipped as the player to beat. Sinner’s doping saga, detailed in *GB News* on June 25, 2025, stems from a mix-up involving his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, but has left him with a “target on his back,” according to analysts. Pegula’s outspokenness aligns with sentiments on X, where fans like @Rapunzel18_02 on February 18, 2025, praised players like Boris Becker for defending Sinner, while others, like @mandoist17_02, questioned the ATP and ITIA’s handling of the case.[](https://www.gbnews.com/sport/tennis/jannik-sinner-problems-wimbledon-2025)[](https://tennisuptodate.com/tennis-news/horrible-look-for-the-sport-jessica-pegula-joins-list-of-active-players-to-criticise-wada-jannik-sinner-agreement-for-three-month-ban)
Pegula, fresh off a grass-court title at the Bad Homburg Open on June 28, 2025, where she defeated Iga Swiatek 6-4, 7-5, enters Wimbledon as the No. 3 seed, facing Elisabetta Cocciaretto in the first round on July 1. Her form, including titles on all three surfaces this season (hard, clay, grass), positions her as a favorite, as backed by Mardy Fish, per *Motorcycle Sports*. Her “brutal” Sinner comment underscores her willingness to call out perceived injustices, adding fuel to the ongoing debate as she aims for her first Grand Slam title at SW19.
