World No.1 Jannik Sinner has admitted he contemplated stepping away from the game during his doping ban. Sinner accepted a three-month ban from WADA after he was tested positive. 

Meanwhile, trace amounts of Clostebol were found in Sinner’s doping sample. However, Sinner explained that it was due to a massage from a trainer who used the substance after cutting his own finger.

International Tennis Integrity Agency had accepted Sinner’s explanation but WADA was seeking to ban the Italian for at least a year.

After a lot of thought and mental pressure, the Italian decided to accept a three-month ban. Despite all the pressure, Sinner went on to win the Australian Open but admitted that the atmosphere of the Happy Slam wasn’t so ‘happy’ for him.

“I remember before the Australian Open this year, it wasn’t a very happy time,” said the 23-year-old. “I didn’t really feel comfortable in the locker room, where we were eating. Players were looking at me differently. I said to myself: “maybe I need to take some time off after Australia.”

“I had a tough time accepting these three months,” he said. “Because I knew that I didn’t do anything wrong. So why do I have to pay this price? But then we discussed it with my lawyer and about what could have happened in the worst-case scenario, and so we decided to accept it.” Sinner leaned on his inner circle for support, crediting his family and lawyer for guiding him through the mental and legal battle.

Sinner’s ban will be lifted on May 4 and he will return to action for the Italian Open, which begins on May 7.

“This time away gave me perspective,” Sinner said. “Now I just want to compete again and do what I love.”

Sinner would definitely look to hit the ground running on the tour on his return to action.