Tennis superstar Jannik Sinner: “Sleepless nights” because of doping case

Tennis world number one Jannik Sinner is also not left unscathed by discussions about his doping case.

“First of all, this is not a situation that I like to find myself in, it is a very delicate, difficult and different situation,” said the Italian on Monday in Beijing after the 6:2, 7:6 (8:6) in the Quarterfinals of the ATP tournament against the Czech Jiri Lehecka: “But I always try to remember that I didn’t do anything wrong.”

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced on Saturday that an appeal had been lodged with the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against Sinner’s acquittal after two positive tests for the banned steroid Clostebol in March.

WADA calls for a ban of up to two years. He certainly had “sleepless nights during this time,” Sinner said: “Now it won’t be easy again.”

The US Open winner is of course disappointed that he is in this situation again. “I just try to focus on my work and do everything I can to be ready for every game. But yes, this is a very difficult moment for me and my team,” said Sinner.

In Beijing he will now face local hero Bu Yunchaokete in the semi-finals. While the Italian wants to focus on the sporting business, prominent colleagues like Carlos Alcaraz have already stepped in to support Sinner in China. The case surrounding the world number one is “not really good” for tennis, but it is also “difficult” for Sinner. “I feel for him,” said the Spaniard, who faces Daniil Medvedev in the other semi-final.