Jannik Sinner Says Clear Conscience In Doping Case Helps Him Perform At High Level
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The 2025 Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner has said that playing so well would be impossible if he knew he had intentionally taken a prohibited substance.
Sinner twice tested positive for the prohibited substance clostebol at March's Indian Wells Open. The International Tennis Integrity Agency initially cleared him of wrongdoing, but the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
After a few months of speculation, it was confirmed that the appeal hearing in Sinner's case would occur on April 16th and 17th. This will finally settle the issue.
Since the case was made public in August, Sinner's performances have been incredible. He won the US Open, Cincinnati Open, Shanghai Masters, and the ATP Finals and helped Italy secure back-to-back Davis Cup titles in the final months of 2024.
The ATP world No. 1 has now begun 2025 by retaining his Australian Open title after a dominant final victory against Alexander Zverev. Sinner was rarely challenged throughout the tournament, playing excellently throughout.
In a press conference after winning the Australian Open title, Sinner was asked if the uncertainty surrounding his CAS case had impacted his motivation. He answered that it had not, and having a clear conscience helped.
"Not really. What happened, happened, no? I keep playing like this because I have a clear mind about what happened, no? If I knew I was guilty I would not keep playing like this. I still believe that it's going to come out in a very positive way, I still think that is going to be the case."
"At the moment, I am not thinking about this. Of course, I have days where I wish I did not have this problem. But I'm always looking forward to being on the court, and now I also need my time off, which is very important for my body and mind."
Sinner was then asked whether his focus would shift since the appeal hearing is scheduled before the next Grand Slam at the French Open in May and June. The Italian is uncertain about that at this point.
"Tough to say. I’m not thinking about it at the moment. I just came off an amazing run here. I want to enjoy this moment to be honest. We know the hearing dates, and that's it. I want to enjoy this one now."
The Australian Open champion answered the questions about his doping cases classily and respectfully. Some may have been irritated by the topic being raised after just coming off the high of winning a Grand Slam.
Opinions differ about whether Sinner will be banned from tennis after the CAS hearing. A top sports lawyer predicted that the World Anti-Doping Agency would win the case and he would be banned.
By contrast, the US Anti-Doping Agency's chief defended Sinner and does not believe he is a doper. The case will undoubtedly attract worldwide attention as sports fans wait to discover whether one of the most significant athletes on the planet receives a suspension.
