In two weeks, Melbourne Park will resume service. The sound of the balls will once again resonate on the synthetic surface of the Australian Grand Slam tournament, and the best players in the world will launch their Tennis season under the mild temperatures of the southern hemisphere. But an unusual buzz risks accompanying the steps of Jannick Sinner, winner in 2024 of the Australian Open and world No. 1. The Italian has been the subject of suspicion of doping since March 2024.
He will not be the only one to be followed by this little music of doubt, left to the appreciation of the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Former No. 1 Iga Swiatek and Simona Halep – withdrew from the Australian Open due to physical problems – were also suspended from classes this year, for the same reason.
For several months, non-compliant anti-doping tests have been increasing within the little yellow ball – which seems to have difficulty measuring them. Hasty whitewashing, sanctions considered too light, sentences barely formulated, irritate the nerves of the players on the circuit.
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