Italian Tennis Star Sinner Targets Improvement on Clay and Grass

Jannik Sinner sets his sights on mastering clay and grass courts to become a complete player. The Italian tennis star aims to improve his performance on these surfaces after dominating on hard courts.

Jannik Sinner, the 23-year-old Italian world number one, credited his clear conscience and innocence in a doping case for his successful defense of the Australian Open title. Sinner tested positive for traces of the steroid clostebol last year but was exonerated. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed and is seeking a ban of up to two years, with a hearing scheduled at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for April.

“I mean, what happened, happened,” Sinner said after defeating Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3 in the final. “As I always say, I keep playing like this because I have a clear mind on what happened. If I knew if I would be guilty, I would not play like this, and that's it.” Sinner's confidence in his innocence has helped him maintain his focus and composure on the court.

Sinner has consistently maintained that the drug entered his system when his physio used a spray containing clostebol to treat a cut, and then provided massage and sports therapy to the player. Despite the ongoing case, Sinner has chosen to focus on his tennis, and it has paid off with his second Australian Open title. “I still believe every time it came out in a very positive way, and I still believe it's going to be that case,” he said.

When asked about the upcoming CAS hearing and its potential impact on his preparations for the next Grand Slam at Roland Garros, Sinner seemed uncertain. “Tough to say. I mean, I'm not thinking at the moment like this,” he said. “I just came off an amazing run again here. I want to enjoy this moment, to be honest.” Sinner is determined to savor his victory and not let the ongoing case distract him from his celebrations.

Sinner acknowledged that there are moments when he wishes he didn't have to deal with the doping case, but he is choosing to focus on the positive aspects of his life and career. “At the moment I'm not thinking about this,” he added. “Of course, you have your moments of certain days where you feel like I wish I would not have this problem. In the other way, I'm always looking forward to go on court.” With his Australian Open title defense complete, Sinner is now looking forward to his next challenge. “Then it's the hearing. We know now the dates, and that's it. I mean, I want to enjoy this one now.”

Sinner Sets Sights on Mastering Clay and Grass Courts

Jannik Sinner is determined to become a complete player by mastering clay and grass courts, in addition to his already impressive skills on hard courts. Having reached the semi-finals at the French Open and Wimbledon in the last two seasons, Sinner is eager to assert his authority on these surfaces. “You have to be a complete player, not only on one surface but on also the other two,” Sinner told reporters.

Taking this trophy home for a second time feels absolutely unreal!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ To my team and all of you who’ve cheered me on from every corner of the world – thank you! Huge respect to @AlexZverev for an incredible match 🤝🏻🤝🏻🤝🏻🇦🇺 @AustralianOpen pic.twitter.com/uWwH0PRxxg

— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) January 26, 2025

Sinner reflected on his past performances on clay and grass, acknowledging that while he had some success, he believes he can do better. “I believe last year wasn't a bad season at all on clay and on grass. I can do better, yes, but let's see. I mean, these are questions that I can answer by playing.” With 37 wins in his last 38 matches on hard courts, Sinner is now focused on dedicating his time and energy to improving his performance on clay and grass.

As a young player, Sinner recognizes that he has time to adjust and improve, particularly on grass courts, where he lacks junior experience. “I'm still young and I have time to adjust, especially on grass courts, because I've never played the juniors. It was new when I arrived on the tour,” Sinner added. He welcomes the challenge of overcoming difficulties and understanding where he can improve. “It's exactly that what I like; the difficulties trying to understand where I can improve. Hopefully I can show that when the season arrives.”