Jannik Sinner says he’s not afraid to return to the court as he prepares to compete at the Italian Open after serving a three-month doping ban.
The world number one and former US Open and two-time Australian Open champion spoke to the press on Monday ahead of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome. He expressed his relief and determination to get back into competitive play.
“I’m not afraid to go on court, I’m just happy to be here,” said the 23-year-old from South Tyrol. “I spoke to some players and everything went well. It’s a strange feeling to start again, but it’s nice.”
Sinner received a three-month suspension after inadvertently using clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid. Although the ban is now behind him, the South Tyrolean admitted it had been a solitary experience.
“Tennis is so individual, there is no team, so everyone has their own things to manage,” he said. “In the end I hardly spoke to anyone. I spoke a little with [British number one] Jack Draper, who is a great friend. Also with [Lorenzo] Sonego. There were no video calls with the players, but everything will be fine. With time everything passes.”
Looking ahead to the competition, Sinner made it clear that he is focused on rebuilding his form rather than rushing to reclaim titles. His main target remains the French Open, which begins in Paris on 25 May.
“The goal will be Paris, but I’m here to see what level I’m at,” he explained. “I’m not here to beat anyone, but to try to get through the first round, then we’ll see what happens. But physically I’m fine, mentally too — this will pay off over time.”
