Sinner opens up about doping struggles ahead of comeback

MONTE CARLO: World number one Jannik Sinner is preparing to return to tennis at next month’s Italian Open following a three-month doping ban that tested not only his career but his passion for the sport. The 22-year-old Italian admitted in a recent interview with broadcaster RAI that he even considered walking away from tennis while defending his Australian Open title earlier this year.

Sinner, who tested positive for the banned substance clostebol, accepted a suspension in February after reaching a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The case, which initially saw him cleared by an independent tribunal in August, was appealed by WADA to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The substance, Sinner explained, entered his body through massage and sports therapy administered by a member of his support team. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the case, he powered through the Australian Open, claiming his second title in Melbourne — but mentally, he was struggling.

“Before the Australian Open this year, I was not in a very happy moment,” Sinner said. “I didn’t feel really comfortable in the locker room… it was a bit like some players looked at me differently, and I didn’t like it at all.”

After the tournament, Sinner contemplated a break — one that ultimately came in the form of a mandatory suspension. Now back in training, he says he’s returning to the court with a renewed mindset and is ready to move forward.

Sinner’s comeback is set for the Italian Open, where he will look to rebuild trust and momentum in front of his home crowd.(Reuters)