World number one Jannik Sinner has spoken candidly about the most difficult period of his career, revealing he considered quitting tennis during his recent three-month suspension for testing positive for Clostebol.
The 23-year-old Italian is set to make his competitive return at the Internazionali d’Italia in Rome, with his first match expected between 10 and 11 May, just days after his ban officially ends on 5 May.
In a revealing interview with Italy’s TG1, Sinner described the emotional and psychological toll the doping case has taken on him since it surfaced earlier this year.
“I don’t wish this on anyone,” Sinner said. “To go through something like this, especially knowing you are innocent, is incredibly hard. I didn’t understand what had happened. I had no idea. Accepting these three months was difficult, especially because in my mind, I had done nothing wrong. I lived through a whole year of difficulties.”
Sinner explained that the fallout from the Clostebol case began to weigh heavily on him as he approached the Australian Open, which he ultimately won. But the emotional burden remained. “There was a moment where I thought about quitting. At the end of last year, I said to myself, ‘Let’s see what next year brings.’ But in Australia, I didn’t feel comfortable at all — even in the locker room. I could feel players looking at me differently. It was heavy.”
Addressing claims that he was treated differently because of his high profile, Sinner was direct: “I may have been tested more than others. I continued my programme, but WADA decided to redo the process. Everyone follows the same protocols when a positive result is confirmed — there are no special treatments. I was just lucky to have people around me who believed in me — my team, my family.”
Sinner also responded to recent criticism from swimming great Federica Pellegrini and tennis icon Serena Williams, the latter saying that had she tested positive, she would have been banned for 20 years. “Everyone can say what they want. People can judge, and that’s fine. But only I know what I’ve been through. It was hard, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”
Sinner also made cryptic mention of events outside of tennis that surprised him during the ordeal, without going into detail. “There were things that happened off the court that I didn’t expect,” he said.
Now, Sinner is looking forward to returning to competition on home soil. “There is no better place to return than Rome,” he said. “I’m slowly getting back into full training mode with a clear objective ahead of me. I’ve been practising with strong players to see where I am. Some sessions go really well, others not so much — I’m not sure why, but that’s part of the process.”
The Italian also confirmed that his coach, Darren Cahill, will be stepping away from the team at the end of the year, as had previously been planned. “He told me last year it would be his final season. That’s his decision. We’ve done a lot together and achieved great things. But every good thing eventually comes to an end. That’s OK.”
As Sinner prepares for a highly anticipated return at Rome’s Foro Italico, the tennis world will be watching to see how the reigning Australian Open champion responds — both physically and mentally — to the most turbulent chapter of his young career.
