“Sleepless Nights”: Sinner gives insights into his inner life

Not an easy situation: Jannik Sinner is still threatened with a ban.
IMAGO/VCG

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) does not accept the decision of the responsible tennis agency and demands a ban for sinners. Now the International Court of Arbitration for Sport has to decide. After two positive doping tests, the Italian was initially acquitted, but now he still faces a ban.

“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 Sinner on Monday in Beijing after the 6:2, 7:6 (8:6) in the quarterfinals against Czech Jiri Lehecka: “But I always try to remember that I didn’t do anything wrong.”

WADA said on Saturday that it had lodged an appeal with the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the acquittal of the two-time Grand Slam winner 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 honestly. “Now it won’t be easy again.”

“A very difficult moment for me and my team”

And continued: “I just try to concentrate 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.” At the US Open, Sinner handled the situation very well and won the tournament. However, he had the acquittal behind him. Now he has to worry again.

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 faces Daniil Medvedev in the other semifinal.