LONDON — Jannik Sinner’s recent agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to accept a three-month suspension following positive doping tests has sparked criticism from Australian player Nick Kyrgios. The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) has called attention to the “lack of transparency” within the doping regulation system.

Sinner, currently the top-ranked male player, announced on Saturday that he has accepted the suspension, which notably does not interfere with his participation in any Grand Slam events. The next major tournament, the French Open, is set to commence on May 25.

Kyrgios expressed his discontent on the social network X, stating, “Clearly Sinner’s team has done everything possible to secure a three-month ban with no titles or prize money at stake.” He also noted that WADA had previously sought a ban of at least one year for Sinner. Kyrgios questioned the integrity of the sport, declaring, “Guilty or not? It’s a sad day for tennis. Fairness in tennis does not exist.”

The controversy traces back to WADA’s challenge against a ruling made last year by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), which did not impose a suspension on Sinner. The ITIA deemed that the presence of a banned anabolic steroid in his system stemmed from accidental contamination. Sinner claimed that trace levels of Clostebol found in his sample were linked to a massage administered by his trainer, who had used the substance after sustaining an injury. WADA ultimately accepted this explanation.

Following announcement of the settlement, former three-time major champion Stan Wawrinka took to X to voice his skepticism, stating, “I don’t believe in a clean sport anymore…”

The PTPA, an organization established by Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil, also chimed in on the situation via a statement on X. They criticized the approach taken by governing bodies, including the ATP, WTA, Grand Slams, ITA, and WADA, contending that these entities operate more like a closed club than an impartial system. They emphasized that purported case-by-case discretion often results in biased decisions, showcasing unfair treatment and erratic judgment between players.

The PTPA highlighted issues such as the shortcomings in transparency, process, consistency, and credibility among the various agencies responsible for regulating tennis and its athletes. The organization decried systematic bias against athletes, calling for significant changes in how doping regulations are handled to restore fairness and integrity to the sport.