Jannik Sinner will relish every moment of his triumph at the Australian Open before turning his focus to his upcoming hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) scheduled for April.
Having secured his second consecutive Australian Open title with a straight-sets victory against second seed Alexander Zverev on Sunday night, Sinner mentioned that he has put aside the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) appeal regarding his doping case, maintaining a “clear mind” about the events that unfolded.
Last March, Sinner tested positive for the anabolic steroid clostebol in two doping tests.
Men’s singles champion Jannik Sinner attends a press conference. Darrian Traynor via Getty Images
The 23-year-old tested positive for the banned substance through urine samples collected both during the Paribas Open in Indian Wells and out of competition a week later.
He later clarified that clostebol was introduced into his system after receiving a massage from his former physiotherapist, who had recently used a spray containing the steroid to treat a cut on his finger.
An independent panel exonerated Sinner in August, allowing him to compete in the US Open, where he subsequently emerged victorious.
However, WADA has since appealed that ruling, seeking a ban of one to two years.
Sinner’s case is set to be addressed by the CAS in a private hearing in April, just over a month before the French Open is slated to commence.
Despite the uncertainty, the Italian expressed that a potential suspension did not drive him to secure his second championship at Melbourne Park.
“I’m not thinking about that right now. I’ve just come off an incredible run here. I want to savour this moment, to be honest,” he told reporters.
“Then there’s the hearing. We have the dates now, and that’s that. I want to enjoy this one now.”
The International Tennis Integrity Agency concluded that Sinner bore “no fault or negligence” and that he provided a “credible” account for the two violations.
Through its appeal, WADA is not attempting to refute Sinner’s explanation, but rather contends that the independent panel’s ruling was “incorrect under the applicable rules.”
“I continue to play like this because I have a clear understanding of what occurred,” Sinner remarked.
“If I were guilty, I wouldn’t be playing like this—that’s all there is to it.
“I still maintain faith that every time [the ruling] was in my favour [with my acquittal], and I believe it will remain so.”
With his eyes set on securing his first titles at Roland-Garros and Wimbledon, Sinner is opting to concentrate on the immediate challenges ahead.
“At this moment, I’m not focused on that,” he stated.
“Of course, there are days when you wish this problem didn’t exist.
“On the other hand, I’m always looking forward to stepping onto the court.
“I also need some time off now, which is crucial for both my body and mind. Then when I return to the court, I will aim to improve.”
To complete a non-calendar-year Grand Slam, Sinner needs to clinch titles on both clay and grass.
Jannik Sinner celebrates winning the championship point against Alexander Zverev in the men’s singles final at the Australian Open. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
During his post-match press conference, Zverev was quizzed about Sinner potentially facing a lengthy suspension while in peak form.
The German expressed surprise at the question.
“Wow, I wasn’t expecting that question,” he remarked.
“I’m not aware of the details of his situation. I know he has been cleared once. I understand that someone over at the Tennis Integrity Agency is currently reviewing it.
“He’s a fantastic guy. I hold no grudges against him. I can’t predict what will happen, but I guess we’ll find out in the coming months.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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