Doping Case Weighs on Sinner's Mind as He Prepares for Australian Open

World number one Jannik Sinner admits the ongoing doping controversy is affecting his mindset ahead of the Australian Open, as he awaits a verdict from the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Jannik Sinner, the world's top-ranked tennis player, has admitted that the ongoing doping controversy surrounding him is weighing heavily on his mind as he prepares to defend his Australian Open title. The 23-year-old Italian failed two drug tests in March for low levels of the anabolic androgenic steroid clostebol but was cleared by an independent tribunal in August.

Despite being cleared, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in September, leaving Sinner facing the possibility of a ban of up to two years. Sinner expressed frustration at the lack of clarity surrounding the proceedings. “I know exactly as much as you guys know. We're in a stage where we don't know many, many things,” he told reporters at Melbourne Park.

Sinner acknowledged that the uncertainty is affecting him, saying, “Yeah, you think about this, of course. I would lie if I would tell you I forget. No, it's not like this. It's something that I have with me now already for quite a long time.” However, he is trying to focus on his preparations for the Australian Open. “But it is what it is. I'm here trying to prepare for the Grand Slam. Let's see how it goes.”

Jannik Sinner's ongoing doping case did not hinder his performance last season, as the 23-year-old enjoyed his best year on the tour, culminating in his second Grand Slam trophy at the U.S. Open.

The handling of Sinner's case, as well as that of Iga Swiatek, by tennis anti-doping authorities sparked criticism from fellow players. Nick Kyrgios was particularly vocal, stating it was a “horrible look” for the sport. Kyrgios has continued to express his opinions on Sinner's case via social media. When asked about Kyrgios' comments, Sinner responded, “I don't think I have to answer this, to be honest.”

A quick look through @janniksin's camera roll wasn't on our bingo card tonight, but maybe it should become a recurring feature of his post-match interviews.#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/BBX7lMVdYv

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 10, 2025

Sinner explained that he is able to block out the distractions surrounding his case by focusing on his own innocence. “It's not that you just put it in a (box) and you just say 'I don't think any more about this',” he said. “In my mind I know exactly what happened. That's how I block it. "I haven't done anything wrong. That's why I'm still here. That's why I'm still playing.”

Sinner is set to begin his Melbourne Park campaign against Chile's Nicolas Jarry. Despite the ongoing controversy, he remains focused on his game. “I don't want to respond to what Nick said or what other players say,” Sinner emphasized, choosing to concentrate on his upcoming matches.