Jannik Sinner said on Friday in Melbourne that the three-month doping ban he served last year made him stronger as a person and more relaxed on court as he prepares to defend his Australian Open title.
The 24-year-old arrived at Melbourne Park a year ago under intense pressure, uncertain about his future after testing positive twice for a banned anabolic steroid in 2024. He went on to win the title despite the uncertainty, before his season was halted as he served a suspension ordered by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Sinner has consistently maintained that the substance entered his system unintentionally during a massage, after his physiotherapist used a spray containing the steroid to treat a cut. WADA accepted that he did not intend to cheat, but ruled that he was responsible for the actions of his support team.
“Last year was definitely a much more difficult situation because in this moment last year I didn’t know exactly what was going to happen,” Sinner said. “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.”
The ban expired in May and Sinner responded by winning Wimbledon and the ATP Finals, finishing the season as world number two behind Carlos Alcaraz. Reflecting on the episode, he said it had changed how he viewed both tennis and life.
“It is what it is, right? After that, I think everything happens for a reason,” he said. “It got me even stronger as a person. The person I’ve become is 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. 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.”
Sinner won last year’s Australian Open by beating Alexander Zverev in straight sets, having earlier come from two sets down to defeat Daniil Medvedev in the final. A third successive title would place him alongside Novak Djokovic as the only men in the Open era to win three in a row at Melbourne Park, a feat the Serb achieved twice during his 10 titles at the tournament.
Djokovic could face Sinner in the semi-finals this year, if both progress that far. Sinner begins his campaign against France’s Hugo Gaston, with Darren Cahill again part of his coaching team.
The pair have worked together since June 2022, with Cahill playing a central role in Sinner’s rise to the top of the game. Sinner said he had persuaded the Australian to delay his retirement plans.
“He’s so important for all of us, for the whole team. He has this huge experience,” Sinner said. “He’s the man who has under control kind of everything. He’s our dad for the whole team.”
