Jannik Sinner has opened up about one of the darkest moments of his career, revealing he seriously considered quitting tennis during the fallout from his doping case.
The world number one, who was banned for three months after testing positive for the banned substance clostebol, admitted the entire experience left him feeling isolated and mentally drained, even during his victorious run at the Australian Open earlier this year.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster RAI, Sinner said, “I remember before the Australian Open this year, I was not in a very happy moment because there was still that case of doping.” He explained that the atmosphere around him had shifted, especially in locker rooms and common areas, where he felt like players were treating him differently. That shift took a toll on him. “It was a bit like some players looked at me differently, and I didn’t like it at all.”
The usually upbeat and friendly tennis star said he no longer felt at ease. “I was always someone who joked around, who went in the dressing room speaking with whoever, but it became different. I wasn’t at ease. I didn’t feel comfortable.” That discomfort led Sinner to question whether he still wanted to play at all. “I said, maybe after Australia, a little bit of free time, in the sense where I take a little break, it will do me good.”
What pulled him back from the brink was the support of those closest to him. He credits his friends and family for giving him the encouragement he needed to push through. “In the end, I built my own bubble, where no one else entered,” he shared. “This certainly gave me the desire to continue, the desire to prepare well for the Slams.”
Now, with the doping case behind him, Sinner is ready to return to the court at the Italian Open in Rome. Though the break was necessary, he’s eager to move forward with clarity and focus. “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.”
His honesty about the mental toll of the controversy and how it nearly ended his career offers a rare glimpse into the personal struggles elite athletes face, even at the top of their game.
- Fans Stunned as Aaron Rodgers Reveals He’s Married - June 11, 2025
- Teen Athlete Xyere Brooks Killed in Shocking Accident - June 11, 2025
- Emma Raducanu Reunites With Coach Nick Cavaday for Grass Season - June 10, 2025
