Jannik Sinner has revealed he considered quitting tennis earlier this year as he grappled with the emotional fallout of his anti-doping case. The World No 1 admitted the experience left him feeling isolated and uncertain about his future in the sport, particularly after sensing a shift in how his peers on the ATP tour viewed him.
“When I arrived in Australia in January, I was uncomfortable, also because it seemed to me that the other players looked at me differently,” Sinner said in an interview. “For a moment, I even thought about giving up everything.” The Italian star, known for his calm demeanor and steady rise through the rankings, struggled to deal with the criticism and doubt that surrounded him during the investigation.
Sinner is set to make his return to professional tennis next week at the Italian Open in Rome, following a three-month suspension resulting from a case resolution agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The case dates back to March of the previous year when Sinner tested positive for clostebol, a banned substance. While an independent tribunal concluded in August that Sinner bore no fault or negligence and initially cleared him of any ban, WADA appealed the decision. A hearing was scheduled for April, but both parties eventually reached a settlement in February, agreeing on a retroactive three-month ban.
The resolution has not put an end to the controversy. Some players have suggested that Sinner was treated more leniently due to his status and prominence in the game an accusation denied by both Sinner and the anti-doping authorities involved. The Italian has acknowledged the toll this scrutiny took on him, saying he turned to those closest to him for support during his lowest moments.
“In the end I built my own bubble, where no one else entered, and this certainly gave me the desire to continue,” he explained. “The desire to prepare well for the slams. I am very happy that this phase is over and I am ready to start again, even if a period of stop, maybe not so long, was necessary for me.”
In preparation for his return to competition, Sinner has been ramping up his training. Two weeks ago, he practiced with British player Jack Draper in Monte Carlo. Draper, a rising star on the tour, has been one of the few players to offer public support to Sinner amid the controversy.
“When people ask about him, or anyone, I’ll tell the truth,” Draper said recently. “I think Jannik is a really, really genuine, nice person. And on top of that, he’s obviously an unbelievable player. In this situation, I’m sure that he would have absolutely zero idea of anything. That’s just the way life goes – sometimes there’s mistakes.”
Draper emphasized Sinner’s character, adding, “It’s important for people to know and recognise that the guy’s very, very kind-hearted and a good human being. So he doesn’t deserve any of the hate that he gets.”
Despite the suspension, Sinner remains at the top of the ATP rankings, with no other player having come close to surpassing him during his absence. His last tournament appearance was at the Australian Open, where he claimed his third Grand Slam title. Now, with the ordeal behind him and the support of those closest to him intact, Sinner is focused on moving forward and reaffirming his place in the sport.
