Jannik Sünder considered taking a break from tennis before taking the three-month ban on the doping case

Rome-Jannik Sinner considered whether a long break from tennis brought in the beginning of this year before taking a three-month ban on a settlement with the world’s anti-doping agency.

When asked about the question, while during an interview with Italian State TV Rai whether he had ever thought about letting everything fall, the top sinner replied: “Yes.

“I remember that it was not a very happy time before the Australian Open this year,” added Sinner. “I didn’t really feel comfortable in the changing room where we ate. The players looked at me differently. I said to myself:” Maybe I have to take some time off to Australia. “But I didn’t want to (the ban).”

Sinner won his second Australian Open title in a row in January.

It was only in February that the agreement was reached in the doping case after the WADA lodged against the international tennis integrity agency last year to completely relieve the sinner for accidental contamination of a forbidden anabolic steroid in March 2024.

“I had a hard time accepting these three months. Because I knew I didn’t do anything wrong. Why do I have to pay this price?” Said sinner. “But then we talked to my lawyer and about what could have happened in the worst case, and so we decided to accept it.”

Dealing with Sünder’s case had raised questions about double standards. The positive tests were only published in August, since Sinner successfully appealed against the preliminary ban on play. Then he won the US Open in September.

The settlement also asked questions, as sinners made it easy to return to the Italian Open – his home tournament – and not miss Grand slams.

“The last year was definitely very stressful,” said Sinner in an interview. “But we were still able to achieve incredible results. We also started really well this year. Then what happened. In the beginning it was a bit strange to find me in this situation. In addition, many things I didn’t expect.”

Several top players suggested that sinners were treated too easily.

“I don’t even want to answer. Everyone is free to say what they want. For me, the most important thing is that I know what happened,” said Sinner. “I don’t wish anyone who is innocent what I went through.”

Although Sinner had only played one tournament this year, he kept in his top rank during his ban because Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz No. 2 no. 3 did not win enough when he overtook it.

“I miss the competition,” said Sünner. “I am very happy that this time is finished and I am ready to play again.”