By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Sunday, April 6, 2025
Photo credit: Matthew Calvis
Dynamic shotmaking propelled Jannik Sinner to the summit of the tennis world.
A critical choice led Sinner to accept a three-month ban from the sport.
Filipina Fighter: Eala Stuns Keys in Miami
In a candid new interview with Sky Sport Italy, Sinner articulated that choosing to accept a three-month suspension and resolve WADA’s appeal on his doping allegation was “the lesser evil.”
Although he considers his suspension “unjust,” Sinner acknowledges that “it could have been worse.”
“Ultimately, you must select the lesser evil, and I believe I have done just that,” Sinner shared with Sky Sport Italy. “While it may seem unfair at times, viewing it from a different angle, it could have turned out worse for me.”
In March 2024, Sinner tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol, albeit at low levels. The International Tennis Integrity Agency announced this development just before the US Open in August.
Despite being a two-time Australian Open champion, Sinner was not sanctioned initially, as an independent tribunal determined he bore “no fault” for the presence of the steroid in his system.
This ruling ignited WADA to challenge the decision, aiming for a ban lasting one to two years.
“The case had been a cloud over me for almost a year, with a resolution potentially prolonging until the year’s end,” Sinner explained in a February statement upon accepting the suspension. “I accept my responsibility regarding my team and recognize WADA’s stringent rules as vital for safeguarding the sport that I adore.
“Therefore, I have agreed to WADA’s proposal to conclude this matter with a three-month suspension.”
During his conversation with Sky Sport Italy, Sinner noted that the decision to accept the ban came swiftly, though he had initial doubts and followed his legal team’s counsel.
“Choosing the three-month suspension was a quick decision,” Sinner revealed. “We reached this conclusion fairly fast, even if I didn’t entirely agree with it.
“There was some back-and-forth with my attorney and advisors. After we made this choice, it took me some time to regain my footing.”
As of now, Sinner’s suspension lasts from February 9 until 11:59 PM on May 4, making him eligible to make his comeback before his passionate Italian supporters on the red clay of Rome.
Despite the whirlwind of controversy around his case, Sinner remains composed and looks forward to his return in Rome.
“I am still here. Although there’s still some time to process everything, I can hardly wait to return to Rome,” Sinner expressed. “It’s a prestigious event for me, albeit a challenging one.”
“I know I’ll be under immense scrutiny when I return, especially in Rome. Nonetheless, I’m trying to approach each day with a sense of tranquility.”
In the meantime, several of Sinner’s competitors have shared their thoughts regarding his three-month ban.
Some have been quite vocal.
Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic stated he finds the situation “peculiar” and mentioned that other players believe Sinner received “favoritism” due to the timing of his suspension ending in May.
This timing allows the reigning US Open and Australian Open champion to avoid missing a Grand Slam event and continue his quest for a calendar Grand Slam.
“Jannik faces a three-month suspension due to certain oversights and negligence from some members of his team who travel with him,” Djokovic commented to the media in Doha earlier this season. “This situation has raised eyebrows with myself and numerous other players.”
“In conversations with various players in the locker room, not just recently but over the past months, it’s clear that many are unsatisfied with how the situation has unfolded and feel it hasn’t been fair. Many suspect favoritism played a role.”
When asked how he anticipates his peers to react, Sinner remarked that only time will tell and he maintains his innocence.
“I cannot predict how they will respond, as it is uncertain what will unfold,” Sinner said. “I am aware of the circumstances and I am innocent.
“I’m calm because, at the end of the day, my sole desire is to play tennis and find peace. That’s the crux of the matter. I’m confident everything will turn out well, even if it takes some time to restart. These are questions whose answers I don’t possess.”
Another pressing query remains: How will Sinner rebound from this hiatus?
Cementing his status as a hard-court powerhouse, Sinner triumphed over Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3 in the Australian Open final, valiantly defending his title with impressive authority this January.
This victory marked Sinner’s remarkable 21st consecutive win—he has not succumbed to defeat since falling to Carlos Alcaraz in the Beijing final last fall—and it solidified his 21st consecutive Grand Slam triumph on hard courts.
Will Sinner maintain his momentum in Rome and then at Roland Garros?
Initially, the world No. 1 mentioned he spent time obsessively tracking the countdown to his comeback.
More recently, Sinner has redirected his focus towards strengthening both his skills and mental resilience in preparation for his eagerly anticipated return.
“I’ve stepped away from what I’ve always longed to do. I am better positioned than ever to engage in this sport,” Sinner stated.
“In the early days, I spent time counting down the days, but as the moment approaches, I feel increasingly better both physically and mentally.
“Although there’s still some time before my return, I see this period as an excellent chance to enhance areas where I faced challenges, particularly on a surface where I’ve struggled. Let’s aim for progress, and if not, we’ll have more time to try again.”
