Jannik Sinner revealed he had “a fearful feeling” around people following a failed doping test as the Italian tennis star knew in his mind that he was innocent but somehow it still happened.
During the Indian Wells Masters in March, the world No. 1 was twice tested and later those samples returned as positive for clostebol – an anabolic steroid. After doing some investigation, the 23-year-old’s team determined that over-the-counter spray used by physio Giacomo Naldi was the source of contamination. Apparently, Naldi used a spray to treat a cut – then failed to properly wash his hands – before massaging Sinner and transmitting clostebol into his body.
The world No. 1 then successfully appealed and was able to continue playing. In August, the ITIA concluded their investigation and the reigning Australian Open and US Open champion didn’t get a day of suspension because the verdict reached said that he “bore no fault or negligence” for what happened.
But while Sinner was battling to clear his name, he was struggling inside.
“It was a tough time. I couldn’t talk to anyone about it. I couldn’t vent or get help. All the people who knew me and watched me play understood that there was something wrong with me. I [had] sleepless nights, because even if you are certain of your innocence, you know that these things are complex. Everyone immediately told the truth and that allowed me to play. But at Wimbledon, I was white. And even afterwards, my feeling with people was fearful. I went into training at the Cincinnati clubhouse and thought, How are they looking at me? What do they really think of me? I realized who my real friends are,” Sinner told Esquire.
After the news of his failed doping test were made public, physio Naldi and trainer Umberto Ferrara – who reportedly bought that spray – faced the criticism and scrutiny. Ultimately, the 23-year-old decided to part ways with both individuals.
Sinner on how he maintained his composure amid everything that happened to him
At the start of the season, the Italian accomplished his goal of becoming a Grand Slam champion. Also, he went 21-1 in his first four tournaments.
Then happened what happened. For some, it would probably be devastating. However, Sinner managed to keep playing at a high level and has since also won Halle, the Cincinnati Masters, the US Open, the Shanghai Masters, the ATP Finals and the Davis Cup Finals with Italy. Also, he has been holding the world No. 1 spot since occupying the position for the first time on June 10th.
It should be noted that in late September, the WADA decided to appeal the ITIA’s ruling. So that was an additional issue because the Italian had to play the last two months of the season knowing that he would again be back in court.
When asked how did he manage to keep doing so well despite the challenging period, Sinner gave credit to his psychologist for helping him learn to mentally react much better.
“Accepting myself. I have matured; I understand myself more. It may sound silly, but getting to know yourself is fundamental. I worked on it a lot with [sports psychologist] Riccardo Ceccarelli. Sometimes, I lost games because I spent so much energy – the cramps, the discomfort started. But when I started to admit I was wrong, I made small steps forward. In the game, it’s easier for me – I forget the mistake easily. In training, on the other hand, I quickly look for improvement. That is wrong,” he explained.
Sinner was both ‘disappointed’ and ‘surprised’
After the WADA decided to lodge an appeal to the CAS and search a ban in the range of one to two years, the 23-year-old didn’t hide that he was disappointed over that outcome.
“Obviously I’m very disappointed and also surprised of this appeal because we had three hearings. All three hearings came out very positively for me. I knew it a couple of days ago, that they were going to appeal, that today it’s going to go official,” the world No. 1 said in late September.
Following his ATP Finals victory, Sinner said that he was confident that he would also win his case in front of the CAS judge.
“No, I have been in this position three times already. Three times we had the hearing. Three times came to my way, which is positive. Of course, it’s not a position where I like to be in. But, you know, I’m going to work together with everyone, like I did before, then we see what comes out. I’m very positive of how it’s going to be,” the Italian said.
The CAS verdict in the Sinner case is expected to come in early 2025.
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