Jannik Sinner's doping case has divided the tennis world for months, with the announcement he will serve a three-month ban leading to further questions

 Some players have said "they don't believe in a clean sport any more", while others say Sinner is "taking responsibility for the mistakes of others".

The World Anti-Doping Agency initially sought a ban of up to two years but reached a settlement after accepting the Italian was inadvertently contaminated by a banned substance and "did not intend to cheat".

The world number one has not been on court since his Australian Open triumph last month and will now be banned until 4 May, returning in time to begin preparations for the year's second Grand Slam at the French Open.

'It leaves a pretty sour taste'

Current and former players have criticised the decision, with Switzerland's three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka posting on X: "I don't believe in a clean sport any more..."

Tennis pundit and former British number one Andrew Castle told BBC Sport: "Any talk of settlement or agreement when it comes to drug bans or suspensions makes people feel very uncomfortable.

"There's a huge reputational risk for the man who is world number one but also for tennis as well.

"But you can't say that these sorts of cases should be black and white."

Former British number one Tim Henman told Sky Sports: "When I read the statement this morning it just seems a little bit too convenient.

"Obviously having just won the Australian Open, to miss three months of the Tour and therefore to be eligible to play at Roland Garros, the timing couldn't have been any better for Sinner, but I still think it leaves a pretty sour taste for the sport."

Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios, who previously said Sinner and Iga Swiatek's doping cases were "disgusting'" for the sport, wrote: "Obviously Sinner's team have done everything in their power to just go ahead and take a three-month ban, no titles lost, no prize money lost.

"Sad day for tennis. Fairness in tennis does not exist."

British player Liam Broady posted: "Didn't realise you could reach a settlement regarding a doping ban… Interesting. Back in time for French Open I guess?"

Former French Open doubles champion Feliciano Lopez defended Sinner, responding to Wawrinka on X: "It's very clear he hasn't done anything to enhance his performance, that's proven.

"He's taking full responsibility for the mistakes of others. A longer suspension would have made the sport cleaner? I don't think so."

Bias is unacceptable for all athletes

Angelo Binaghi said Sinner would be welcomed with open arms at the Italian Open, which begins in Rome three days after his ban ends.

"This is the first time that a shameful injustice makes us happy because our first thought is for the boy who sees the end of a nightmare," Binaghi said

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