Jannik Sinner admits he felt like quitting tennis as three-month doping ban nears end - 'Players looked at me differently'
Published 30/04/2025 at 18:41 GMT+1
Jannik Sinner has opened up on the mental impact of his three-month suspension. The 23-year-old was handed the ban earlier this year after failing two drugs tests in 2024. He is set to return to the court at the Italian Open in Rome in early May, just days after his suspension concludes. But he says he thought about quitting the sport after feeling "uncomfortable" in Australia earlier this year.
Candles in the dark - How power outage impacted Madrid Open
Video credit: SNTV
Jannik Sinner has admitted he thought about quitting tennis after his doping ban.
The Italian has always maintained his innocence, but agreed to a three-month suspension, handed out by the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA), in early 2025.
The suspension came after he failed two drug tests for the banned substance clostebol last year.
While he awaited his punishment, the world No. 1 was allowed to continue playing, and landed the Australian Open by beating Alexander Zverev in January.
That was the third Grand Slam title of his career, but Sinner admitted he felt uncomfortable around his peers in Melbourne.
"I remember before the Australian Open this year, I was not in a very happy moment because there was still that case of doping," he told Italian broadcaster RAI.
- Draper credits 'mindset change' for improved clay form after win over Paul
- Swiatek survives bagel to overcome Keys in 'weird' match and set up Gauff semi
- How Raducanu is shaping up for French Open - 'Informal' coach, serve change, clay positives
"I didn't really feel comfortable in the locker room, where I ate. It was a bit like some players looked at me differently and I didn't like it at all.
"For a moment, I even thought about giving up everything"
Sinner's ban comes to an end on May 5, which means he will be free to compete in front of his home fans at the Italian Open in Rome, with the men's first round starting on May 8.
He will then head to the second Grand Slam of the year, the French Open at Roland-Garros, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
But, as he nears his return to the court, the 23-year-old has opened up on how he has been impacted mentally by his suspension.
"I felt like being in tennis, with that atmosphere, was too much," he continued. "I was always someone who joked about, who went in the dressing room speaking with whoever, but it became different. I wasn't at ease.
"I didn't feel comfortable and then I said, maybe after Australia, a little bit of free time, in the sense where I take a little break, it will do me good."
Sinner though has refused to comment on those who have questioned the length of his ban.
Former World No. 1 Serena Williams recently stated that she "would have got 20 years" for a similar offence.
"I don't want to respond to criticism," the Italian concluded. "People are free to say what they want and judge people.
"What matters to me is that I known what I've been through. It was difficult and I wouldn't wish anyone to go through that as an innocent person."
Watch and stream the 2025 French Open on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement