Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner, the current world No. 1, has revealed he seriously contemplated walking away from professional tennis following the emotional and reputational fallout from a doping case earlier this year. Speaking ahead of his return at the Italian Open in Rome, the 22-year-old opened up for the first time about the mental toll he faced during a turbulent three-month suspension.
The Case That Shook a Champion
Sinner, who captured his third Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January 2025, was at the peak of his career when news broke in March that he had tested positive for a banned steroid. While initial investigations cleared him of deliberate wrongdoing — the substance was traced back to a massage product used by his former physiotherapist — the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) later appealed the decision.
READ MORE: Max Purcell Accepts 18-Month Tennis Ban Over IV Infusion Breach
Rather than enter a prolonged legal battle, Sinner agreed to a three-month suspension, which ends on 5 May 2025. Despite the resolution, the case stirred significant controversy, with some in the tennis world suggesting that the Italian had been given preferential treatment.
But for Sinner, the scrutiny wasn’t just professional — it was deeply personal.
“I Thought About Giving Up Everything”
In an emotional interview with Italian broadcaster RAI, Sinner admitted the psychological burden was so intense that he briefly considered quitting tennis altogether.
“When I arrived in Australia in January I was uncomfortable, also because it seemed to me that the other players looked at me differently,” Sinner said.
“For a moment, I even thought about giving up everything.”
The Australian Open, which should have been a career high, was clouded by whispers and judgement from fellow players and media. Despite lifting the trophy in Melbourne, Sinner admitted to feeling alienated and emotionally drained.
A Support Bubble and Mental Reset
It was only thanks to the people closest to him — his coaching staff, family, and trusted confidants — that Sinner managed to navigate the storm.
“In the end, I built my own bubble, where no one else entered,” he said.
“This certainly gave me the desire to continue, the desire to prepare well for the slams.”
Sinner acknowledged that while the suspension was disruptive, it may have come with a silver lining.
“I am very happy that this phase is over and I am ready to start again, even if a period of stop, maybe not so long, was necessary for me.”
Controversy Over Preferential Treatment
Sinner’s case has not been without backlash. Critics have pointed out the short duration of his ban and the decision not to erase his Australian Open title as signs that Sinner was “protected” due to his rising stardom.
Still, WADA officials have defended the outcome. One unnamed official even described the case as being “a million miles away from doping,” emphasizing that Sinner had not knowingly ingested a banned substance and that the suspension was issued more on procedural grounds.
Despite this, the tennis community remains split. While some argue that WADA was right to treat the case with nuance, others fear the precedent may undermine trust in anti-doping regulations.
A Winning Streak and a Homecoming
Sinner is expected to return next week at the Italian Open in Rome, where he will receive a hero’s welcome despite the recent turmoil. He enters the tournament on a 21-match winning streak, having last lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the Beijing final in October 2024.
Currently, Sinner enjoys a commanding 2,000-point lead atop the ATP rankings — a cushion that has not only protected his position during the ban but also raised questions about the system’s ability to maintain fairness during disciplinary absences.
Rome will mark Sinner’s first match since lifting the trophy in Melbourne. While the physical form remains to be seen after a competitive hiatus, the emotional resilience he’s shown could prove just as vital on court.
Looking Ahead: Redemption and Reflection
With the doping case behind him, Sinner is poised to reestablish his dominance on the ATP Tour. More importantly, he seems to have emerged mentally stronger, with a renewed sense of perspective about his career and identity.
His candid revelations offer a rare glimpse into the psychological challenges elite athletes face — not only in competition but under the microscope of global scrutiny.
If Rome is indeed the beginning of Sinner’s comeback chapter, it may also be his most compelling yet: one shaped not just by trophies, but by tenacity, humility, and the will to keep going when the world watches with doubt.
