Jannik Sinner is set to make a comeback on court after a three-month ban around doping controversy. The world number one in men’s tennis will be feature in the upcoming edition of the Italian Open.
The Italian has revealed that he considered walking away from tennis during his doping case, stating he “didn’t feel comfortable” as players looked at him “differently” during the Australian Open.
Jannik Sinner Came Close To Hang Up His Rackets
The 23-year-old accepted a three-month ban from the World Anti-Doping Agency in February after testing positive for banned substance clostebol in March 2024.
“I remember before the Australian Open this year, I was not in a very happy moment because there was still that case of doping,” Sinner told Italian broadcaster RAI.
“I didn’t really feel comfortable in the locker room, where I ate. It was a bit like some players looked at me differently and I didn’t like it at all.
“I felt like being in tennis, with that atmosphere, was too much. I was always someone who joked about, who went in the dressing room speaking with whoever, but it became different. I wasn’t at ease.
“I didn’t feel comfortable and then I said, maybe after Australia, a little bit of free time, in the sense where I take a little break, it will do me good.”
Sinner had previously been cleared of any wrongdoing by an independent panel, but Wada launched an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas), seeking a ban of up to two years.
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Several tennis players had criticized the minimal quantum of punishment handed to Sinner. Some called his punishment too convenient.
However, Sinner defended his position as he added: “I don’t want to respond to criticism. People are free to say what they want and judge people.
“What matters to me is that I known what I’ve been through. It was difficult and I wouldn’t wish anyone to go through that as an innocent person.”
