Andy Roddick reveals what he knows 'for a fact' about Jannik Sinner's ban after having it confirmed by sources

Jannik Sinner has been forced to take a backseat for the forseeable future, with the world number one serving a three-month ban.

Iga Swiatek hopes Sinner can recover from the suspension, which comes after two failed drugs tests in 2024.

Jack Draper has defended Sinner, who reached a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regarding the ban.

Sinner will be out of competitive action until May 4, with a likely return taking place at the Masters 1000 Rome.

The three-time Grand Slam champion is then set to take on the French Open, the next Grand Slam in the calendar.

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Andy Roddick reveals WADA approached Jannik Sinner for ban deal

Even with his absence, Sinner’s case is certain to attract attention for some time, with former world number one Andy Roddick now giving his take.

“I am not mad at a suspension,” he said on the Served with Andy Roddick podcast. “I think three months or six months.

“I would have been pretty broken-hearted for tennis and Sinner if it had been a year or two years, which is what he was staring at with this trial.

“All signs pointed towards it being a minimum of a year. That felt excessive to me. Three months does not feel excessive to me.

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READ MORE: Matteo Berrettini confirms whether he has spoken to Jannik Sinner at all as he reacts to his ban from tennis

“The timing could not have been more perfect for Sinner. I know for a fact through sources I have been close to here, that WADA went to Sinner for a deal.

“WADA appeals ITAA’s decision and then WADA makes this announcement for three months and no Slams.

“Why re-enter the conversation if you are WADA? It feels to me that WADA thought it wasn’t a slam dunk case for them.

“And if you are Sinner you are thinking that you are staring down the barrel of a year or two, and they are bringing me a three-month deal where I don’t miss a Slam.

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“In the comments section people are like he is still missing big tournaments. No, no. It is not a case of missing or not missing.

“Once WADA appealed he was going to miss something – best case three months, most likely six months. People were thinking and we had heard that it was going to be at least a year.

“If you are Sinner, and I’m not saying it’s a great thing if you are suspended for three months if you are in the Sinner camp, but I am saying if they bring me, if I am staring down the barrel of a year or two which potentially affects legacy, and they say you are not missing any Slams, you get to come back in Italy before the French Open, I am signing that in two seconds.”

Jannik Sinner handed dream Rome return after three-month ban

Roddick is absolutely spot on about the timeframe, with Sinner remarkably not missing out on a chance to extend his growing Grand Slam tally.

He was just allowed to compete at the Australian Open, which he won for a second year running, and now has the opportunity to win a first French Open title.

READ MORE: Casper Ruud and Richard Gasquet in agreement about Jannik Sinner after he accepts three-month ban

Moreover, Sinner has been handed the dream return, with Italian supporters undoubtedly set to welcome him back with open arms in Rome.

That should serve as the perfect preparation for the French Open, where last year’s semi-final finish represents his best run at the tournament.

The Italian has also only ever got that far at Wimbledon, while he emerged victorious at the US Open last year.

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