Reputation, lost money, Djokovic: the consequences of the Sinner affair

Italian star Jannik Sinner emerges from a triumphant season but one marked by a suspension that continues to make waves.

© AFP

Arthur Millot

le 12/12/2025 à 18h00

2 min to read

Djokovic Novak Sinner Jannik

"This cloud will never disappear": Djokovic reignites the fire

Jannik Sinner could have had a perfect 2025.

A triple win in Vienna, Paris-Bercy, and the ATP Finals, an Italian crowd in ecstasy in Turin, a title defended at the Australian Open, and then a first triumph at Wimbledon.

But behind the gold, there remains a stain, and it will never completely go away, according to Novak Djokovic.

"This cloud will follow him... it will never disappear," the Serb declared in an interview, reigniting the storm surrounding the three-month suspension imposed on Sinner after two positive doping tests at Indian Wells 2024.

A controversial suspension... and lingering unease

Initially cleared by the International Tennis Integrity Agency, Sinner ultimately had to accept a plea deal after a parallel case was opened by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Result: Suspension from February to May 2024, accusations of preferential treatment, and a debate constantly reignited by observers and fans.

The Serb, himself marked by the Covid controversy, said he was "shocked" and troubled by the lack of transparency, meaning a suspension "too convenient" between Grand Slams, "inconsistencies" in the handling of the case, or similar cases resulting in bans "of several years."

$5 million gone: the cost of the suspension

But behind the media consequences lies another element: the total financial cost of the affair. Indeed, Sinner missed three Masters 1000 events, which could have earned him a lot with good results.

Details below:

- Indian Wells: up to $1,201,125

- Miami: $1,124,380

- Monte-Carlo: €946,610

A heavy total that also adds to the loss of a very lucrative bonus. By missing four Masters 1000 events in 2025, Sinner was excluded from the Bonus Pool, meaning about $2 million more lost.

In total, that's about $5 million gone.

In the end, Jannik Sinner will have experienced a year as brilliant as it was tumultuous. His suspension cost him millions, but above all, a part of his innocence in the eyes of a portion of the public.