Jannik Sinner has “sleepless nights” because of doping allegations

After two positive doping tests, Jannik Sinner was initially acquitted. Because the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) does not accept the decision of the responsible tennis agency, the Italian is now threatened with a ban. The tennis star has currently had difficult weeks. As part of the ATP tournament in Beijing, he gave honest insights into his mental life.

On the Monday after his semi-final against Czech Jiri Lehecka, Sinner told “Kicker”: “First of all, this is not a situation that I like to be in. It’s a very delicate, difficult and different situation.”

But he always tries to remind himself that he didn’t do anything wrong. WADA announced on Saturday that it had lodged an appeal against the acquittal with the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The World Anti-Doping Agency is calling for a two-year ban for Jannik Sinner after two positive tests for the banned steroid Clostebol in March. Sinner says he “certainly had sleepless nights during this time” – and “now it won’t be easy again.”

He just tries to concentrate on his work, said the young star. “I want to do everything I can to be ready for every game.” But he admits that it was a “very difficult moment” for him and his team.

In Beijing, Sinner will now face local hero Bu Yunchaokete in the semi-finals. The Italian is strengthened by his colleagues. “I feel for him,” said Carlos Aclaraz, who will face Daniil Medvedev in the other semifinal.