Jannik Sinner nearly 'gave up' and 'didn't like how rivals eyed him'

Jannik Sinner will return to the tennis court in May following a three-month ban

Jannik Sinner has insisted he nearly gave up tennis before being slapped with a three-month ban for doping offences. The 23-year-old will be able to return to the sport on May 5, two days before the Italian Open gets underway. Sinner initially avoided a suspension after the banned substance clostebol was found in his system last April. He maintains his physio inadvertently contaminated him during a routine procedure after applying a spray to his own finger to treat a cut. But the Italian was eventually banned after reaching an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in February. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Ahead of his sanction, Sinner clinched the third Grand Slam title of his career at the Australian Open as he overcame Alexander Zverev in straight sets in the showpiece match. He then opted to sit out the Rotterdam Open at the start of February before his ban was confirmed. And during an interview with Italian news programme TG1 this week, an emotional Sinner explained: “Did I ever think about giving up? Yes, I did.”

Jannik Sinner clinched the third Grand Slam trophy of his career at the Australian Open in January

Stay up-to-date with the latest Tennis news Join us on WhatsApp Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

He then revealed: “Before the Australian Open this year, I was in a not so happy moment. Arriving there in Australia I didn't feel comfortable in the locker room, where I went to eat. The players looked at me differently. I didn't like it. “There, I thought that living tennis that way was really heavy. I thought about taking some time off after Australia. “Then it went as it went, I didn't want it to go like this but in the other sense at that moment it did me good. “Three months is long. But one reason I didn't play Rotterdam was precisely that, I needed time with friends and to give priority to the people I love.”

SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Click here to read article