12 months ago, Jannik Sinner entered the Australian Open clouded in controversy amid an ongoing dispute between two anti-doping bodies over his two failed drug tests.
In 2024, Sinner tested positive for the anabolic steroid clostebol but was cleared to continue playing by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), which concluded that he had no fault in the positive test. A panel accepted that the Italian was inadvertently contaminated by his trainer, who was using Trofodermin. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed this decision by arguing that Sinner had an element of responsibility in his failed drug tests as he was in charge of ensuring those who worked for him were following the right protocol.
Amid the dispute, the world No.2 still managed to retain his title at Melbourne Park. Shortly after the triumph, he served a 90-day suspension as a result of a case settlement reached by the two parties. Throughout the process, Sinner was never accused or suspected of deliberately cheating by investigators.
“Last year was definitely a much more difficult situation because in this moment last year I didn’t know exactly what’s going to happen,” he told reporters in Melbourne on Friday.
“So I tried still to enjoy it when I went out on the court, but still had it in my head kind of.
“It was difficult for me, but also for the family. I tried to stay with the people I really love, which at times worked very well. At times it was a bit disappointing, too.”
Since returning from his ban, the 24-year-old has won five more Tour titles, including his first at Wimbledon. Over the coming days, he will be bidding to follow in the footsteps of Novak Djokovic by becoming the second man in the Open era to win a third consecutive Australian Open title.
“I think everything happens for a reason,” he said of his doping case.
“It got me even stronger as a person. The person I’ve become it’s much more mature in a way because I see things when they’re not going in the right direction in different ways.
“Whatever comes on court, result-wise, that’s all an extra,” he added.
“I live the sport also in a very different way now, which is relaxed, but I give everything I have. It’s a balance of everything. So yeah, I’m very happy.”
On court, Sinner’s rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz has generated a lot of attention, with the duo playing against each other in the past three Grand Slam finals. However, his focus on improvement isn’t just centered on trying to beat Alcaraz.
“It’s not only for one specific player … if you add something to your game, the aim is to get better as a tennis player,” he explained.
“It’s not about beating one guy, it’s more about feeling comfortable in every situation. That’s what we tried to do in the off-season.”
Sinner will play France’s Hugo Gaston in the first round at this year’s Australian Open.
