Jannik Sinner spoke honestly about his emotions since discovering he failed two doping tests at March's Indian Wells Open.
Sinner will never forget the day he was informed of testing positive for the banned substance clostebol. It was a moment of complete darkness and one the 23-year-old initially struggled to come to terms with.
The Italian was not provisionally suspended and the International Tennis Integrity Agency's (ITIA) investigation was kept private because he managed to find where the banned substance had entered his system.
Sinner explained that his physiotherapist at the time had used a spray containing a tiny amount of the banned substance, given to him by Sinner's fitness trainer. The physiotherapist then gave him massages, having used the spray, allowing the clostebol to enter his system.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency accepted Sinner's explanation and decided he bore no fault or negligence after a five-month investigation, clearing him of any wrongdoing.
However, the World Anti-Doping Agency disagreed with the ITIA's verdict. It appealed and argues that a ban of one to two years would be appropriate. A ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport is not expected until early 2025.
Sinner's performances while dealing with the anxiety from that situation have been incredible. He won the US Open and the Shanghai Masters after the doping case became public, which drew responses from millions worldwide.
The world No. 1 remained successful until the end of the season. He completed a perfect week at the ATP Finals by winning the title on home soil in Turin, not dropping a set throughout the prestigious tournament.
Sinner then finished 2024 by winning the Davis Cup for a second consecutive year with Team Italy. His victory against Tallon Griekspoor sealed a 2-0 triumph in the final against Team Netherlands.
The two-time Grand Slam champion recorded multiple insane achievements during one of the best ATP seasons of the 21st century, including becoming the fastest player to guarantee the year-end No. 1 ranking since Novak Djokovic in 2015.
His successes throughout 2024 are even more impressive, considering everything he has gone through in the doping case. Sinner spoke after Italy won the Davis Cup about the toll that saga had taken on him in the first few months after he was told about the positive tests.
"Of course, it's in the head a little bit. The most important part is all the people who are around me, who know me as a human being trust me -- that's also why I kept playing the level I have."
"Those who know me, I was emotionally a bit down, a bit heartbroken. Sometimes life gives you difficulties and you just have to (deal with) it."
Sinner could dominate even more in 2025 if he makes further improvements, but that is highly dependent on the Court of Arbitration for Sport's ruling in his case.
The Italian can now take some time off after a physically and emotionally grueling season for Sinner. His rival, Carlos Alcaraz, will train with one of the ATP's other young stars during the off-season.
0 Comments