Jannik Sinner Opens Up About Doping Controversy Ahead of Rome Return

Jannik Sinner, world number one tennis player, speaks out about doping controversy and return to tennis after three-month ban.

Jannik Sinner, the world number one tennis player, is set to return to action after serving a three-month doping ban. The Italian tennis star has been open about the struggles he faced during this period, admitting that he felt “fragile” when the news broke. Despite successfully defending his Australian Open title, Sinner considered walking away from tennis but has emerged with a new mentality.

Sinner attributed the positive test to a contaminated massage, where his physiotherapist used a spray containing clostebol to treat a cut before massaging him. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accepted that Sinner didn't intend to cheat, but still imposed a three-month suspension. Sinner believes the ban was “unfair” but chose to accept it to avoid a potentially longer suspension of up to two years.

As Sinner prepares for his comeback at the Rome Masters, he acknowledges the challenges ahead. “I know I am innocent,” he said, “but it was hard.” Sinner's return to tennis will be closely watched, with many eager to see how he'll perform after his suspension. The 23-year-old is focused on proving himself on the court and moving forward from the controversy.

Jannik Sinner attributed his positive test for anabolic agent clostebol to contamination from his support team, specifically through massages and sports therapy. Despite the ongoing controversy, Sinner successfully defended his Australian Open title in January.

When asked if he had considered retiring due to the stress of the case, Sinner revealed he had thought about quitting tennis during this challenging period. However, he's now focused on his return to the sport with a fresh perspective.

“Yes, yes. I remember before the Australian Open this year, I was not in a very happy moment because there was still that case of doping,” Sinner said.

“I didn't feel really 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. And there I said it's heavy to live tennis in this way.

“I didn't feel comfortable, and then I said, maybe after Australia, a little bit of free time, in the sense that I take a little break, it will do me good.”

Jannik Sinner's doping ban interrupted his momentum, forcing him into a break. However, he's now resumed training ahead of the Italian Open. “Slowly, I'm getting back into the rhythm of real training with a goal in front of me,” Sinner said, highlighting his focus on regaining form.

Jannik Sinner says he thought about giving up and taking a break from tennis before the Australian Open

"Did I ever think about giving up? Yes, I did.
Before the Australian Open this year, I was in a not so happy moment.”

“Arriving there in Australia I didn't feel comfortable… pic.twitter.com/95tGC6l5Th

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 29, 2025

“Sometimes it goes very well, sometimes there is a drop, and I don't know why, so I will certainly be very happy to return to the court.

“Especially in Rome, it is a special tournament for me, but I certainly enter with a slightly different mentality. I miss the competition.

“I am certainly very happy that this phase is now over and we are ready to start again.”

Jannik Sinner faced criticism from fellow players, including Serena Williams, who suggested she would have received a harsher penalty for a similar offense. Sinner responded to the backlash, saying, “I mean, I don't even want to answer. Everyone is free to say what they want, everyone can judge, but that's okay.”

“It's important to me that I know how that happened, but above all, also what I went through, and it was very difficult.

“I don't wish it on anyone to really pass as innocent something like that because it wasn't easy, but we are in a world where everyone can say what they want, so it's okay.”