Jannik Sinner Reveals He Nearly Walked Away from Tennis During Doping Controversy

Jannik Sinner has revealed that he nearly decided to retire from tennis following the fallout from his doping suspension.

The top-ranked player has been serving a three-month ban due to two positive tests for a prohibited anabolic steroid and is gearing up to make his comeback at the Italian Open.

Since clinching victory at the Australian Open, the 23-year-old has shared that he struggled to cope with the shifting attitudes of his peers in the locker room.

In a recent interview with Italian broadcaster Rai TV, Sinner recounted the varied reactions from his fellow players after news of his positive tests circulated.

“I found it hard before the Australian Open this year,” Sinner disclosed when asked if he considered stepping away from the sport.

“When I arrived in Australia, I felt uneasy—both in the locker room and at restaurants. My fellow players were glancing at me differently, and it was uncomfortable.

“Adjusting to that environment has been tough. I’m usually one to joke around and engage with others, but this time it was markedly different and quite distressing.”

Sinner accepted the suspension after officials determined the banned substance had entered his system inadvertently during a massage by his physiotherapist.

His situation prompted questions surrounding his eligibility to compete, not only in the locker rooms but beyond.

Prominent athletes like Nick Kyrgios and Serena Williams have suggested that the treatment of Sinner’s case was unjust. However, Sinner disagrees.

“My case followed the same procedures as any other. Despite claims of preferential treatment, that wasn’t the case,” he clarified.

“I underwent numerous hearings, and perhaps I was even tested more frequently afterwards.”

While Sinner acknowledged that his time away from competition proved beneficial for his mental well-being, he stated, “Three months was excessive.”

“I found it challenging to accept that prolonged absence,” he admitted.

“In my heart, I felt I hadn’t done anything wrong. No one should have to endure what I experienced as an innocent individual.

“While I didn’t want the doping case to unfold as it did, the experience ultimately had a positive impact on me.

“Taking a break from Rotterdam allowed me to spend time with friends and focus on the people who care about me.”

“Fortunately, my close circle, including my family and team, provided immense support during this tough period. Their belief in me was invaluable.”

Looking ahead, Sinner expressed eagerness to return to the court, though he is conscious that he will be under scrutiny from both spectators and opponents.

“Everyone is entitled to their opinions and to voice them; however, it’s crucial for me to understand my journey and the challenges I’ve faced,” he noted.

“It was an incredibly tough period… but we live in a world where everyone has an opinion, so I’m okay with that.”

Since Sinner’s case, calls for a reevaluation of the WADA punishment framework have intensified, with both current and former athletes pointing out the discrepancies in doping bans, as highlighted by the varying lengths of suspensions faced by players like Iga Swiatek and Australia’s Max Purcell.