Jannik Sinner Banned, Casper Ruud Replaces Him in Las Vegas Exhibition

Jannik Sinner has been suspended for three months due to failed doping tests and will miss the upcoming MGM Rewards Slam exhibition in Las Vegas, where Casper Ruud will take his place. Sinner accepted the ban as part of a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency after testing positive for trace amounts of the anabolic steroid clostebol, which he attributed to a cream used by a former staff member. His suspension will keep him out of competition until early May, allowing him to return for the Rome Masters, just before the French Open starts on May 25. The timing of the ban has raised questions among fellow players, as it does not conflict with any Grand Slam tournaments. Sinner, 23, has recently achieved significant success, winning three of the last five major championships, including the last two Australian Opens. The exhibition event will still feature prominent players like Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Tommy Paul alongside Ruud.