Jannik Sinner's Perspective on His Doping Ban

Jannik Sinner, the reigning Australian Open and US Open champion, has opened up about his three-month doping ban, calling it the "best choice in a bad moment." The world number one accepted the ban in February after reaching a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) over his two positive tests last year.

The Impact on His Career

Sinner's ban expired at midnight on Sunday, allowing him to compete at the Italian Open in Rome this week. "Of course when you go to court it can go both ways - nothing or a lot," Sinner said in a packed interview room at the Foro Italico. "I didn't want to do it [agree a settlement] in the beginning, so it was not easy for me to accept it because I know what really happened. But sometimes we have to choose the best in a very bad moment, and that's what we did."

Avoiding Grand Slam Misses

For Sinner, the most significant relief was that his ban did not overlap with any Grand Slam tournaments. "For me personally, it's good news that there are not the Grand Slams included," he added. Sinner has a first-round bye in Rome and will play either Argentina’s world number 99 Mariano Navone or 18-year-old Italian wildcard Federico Cina on Saturday.

Reactions from the Tennis Community

The length and timing of Sinner's ban have drawn criticism from some players. Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka posted that he does not "believe in a clean sport any more," while 2022 Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios said fairness in tennis "does not exist."

Focus on the Italian Open

Sinner's news conference took place just after he arrived on site for the first time, allowing for little interaction with other players. His answers instead focused on the Italian Open, which he considers a "very low expectation tournament." He also expressed contentment with his current world ranking, stating, "I am happy in the position I am but I would be happy even if I'm three or four in the world."

Training and Preparation

Sinner could start 'official training activity' from 13 April and had some practice sessions with Britain's Jack Draper on the Monte Carlo clay to keep his eye in. During his ban, Sinner was unable to watch other professional sport in person. "The toughest part was that in the beginning I couldn't watch any other sport really, in real life," Sinner added. "I don't know how many know this but watching a simple football match in a stadium, I couldn't go there to watch it. I wanted to support my friends in cycling or motorsport - I couldn't go there."

Looking Ahead to the French Open

The Italian Open is one of the big clay-court tournaments before the French Open takes place from 25 May-8 June. Sinner's return to the court marks a significant moment in his career as he aims to continue his dominance in the tennis world.