World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has opened up about the emotional turmoil he endured during his three-month suspension from tennis, revealing he nearly walked away from the sport entirely ahead of his return at the Rome Masters. The Italian star, who tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid in March 2024, admitted the fallout from his doping scandal left him isolated and disillusioned—even as he clinched the Australian Open title earlier this year.
Now, as he prepares to reclaim his throne, Sinner’s candid reflections expose the human cost of his ordeal.
Jannik Sinner’s lonely battle amid suspension backlash
In a raw interview with Italian broadcaster TG1, Sinner described the crushing weight of judgment from peers during the Australian Open, where whispers and sidelong glances followed him relentlessly.
“I didn’t feel at ease in the locker room or at the restaurant. Players looked at me differently, and I didn’t like it at all,” he confessed. The 22-year-old, who later triumphed in Melbourne, admitted he considered stepping away from tennis entirely before the tournament. “I thought about taking some time off… The way I felt on the court is not the way a player should feel.”
The breaking point
Jannik Sinner’s suspension, triggered by the positive test, compounded his struggles. Despite maintaining his innocence, the scrutiny fractured his joy for the game.
“We work hard to have fun during a match, but that fun had disappeared. I was thinking about something else,” he shared.
The three-month ban, though “too much” in his view, offered unexpected clarity. He retreated into a “bubble” of close friends and family, whose unwavering support reignited his resolve.
“They believed in me… That gave me the will to continue.”
Divided locker room, unified inner circle
While some players questioned his right to compete, Jannik Sinner’s inner circle shielded him from the noise.
“Everyone is free to judge, but for me, it’s important to know what happened and what I went through,” he stated, acknowledging the polarized reactions.
His suspension period became a refuge—a chance to reset mentally and physically.
“I needed time with people who love me… I’m talking about my team, my family.”
Rome Return: Redemption or relapse?
Sinner’s comeback at the Rome Masters arrives under favorable circumstances. With Novak Djokovic withdrawing and Carlos Alcaraz nursing injuries, the Italian enters as the tournament favorite. Retaining his World No. 1 ranking during the ban adds pressure, but Sinner’s resilience suggests he’s ready.
“Last year I played very well… Everything went well, even though I didn’t feel like a happy person on the court.”
Can Jannik Sinner channel his pain into dominance, or will the shadow of his suspension linger? His confession lays bare a vulnerability rarely seen in top athletes. Yet, his ability to thrive amid adversity—evidenced by his Australian Open win—hints at a champion’s mindset. As Rome beckons, the tennis world watches: Will Sinner’s comeback story inspire, or will doubts persist?