Jannik Sinner set to lose entire annual bonus with tennis star to be docked millions

Jannik Sinner's doping suspension this year is set to prove costly. The controversial saga culminated in the world No.1 agreeing with WADA to serve a three-month ban, which took place after he claimed the Australian Open in January.

He's since returned seamlessly to the top level. Sinner, 23, let two match points slipin a heartbreaking defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open final, and then avenged his defeat to the Spaniard to claim his first Wimbledon title in July. However, his enforced absence earlier this season means he only sits 16th in the ATP Masters Bonus Pool standings with 650 points.

At the end of the season, the pool rewards the 30 players with the most ranking points at the six Masters 1000 tournaments and the ATP Finals. The overall pot stands at £15.5million, nearly double what was on offer for the scheme's inaugural year in 2023.

Additionally, an extra £2.2m is made available to the six players with the most points from ATP 500 events. However, the bonuses are subject to player participation, with those who miss four or more Masters tournaments forced to forfeit 100 per cent of the extra earnings.

While serving his ban, the Italian missed the Indian Wells Masters, Miami Open, and Madrid. He was also forced to watch the Monte-Carlo Masters from afar, although that is not deemed mandatory, so it didn't affect his participation bonus.

However, last month he opted to withdraw from the Toronto Masters, citing fatigue after his campaign at SW19. That means, regardless of his final position, he won't be eligible for any additional money.

Not that the world's best player has gone short this year. He received £1.6m for retaining his title in Melbourne, and £3m for his maiden triumph at Wimbledon.

Sinner, 23, is currently in Cincinnati, where he is on another final collision course with Alcaraz. He beat Adrian Mannarino yesterday to set up a quarter-final with Felix Auger-Aliassime.