The season may have been Jannik Sinner’s best year yet. However, the pressure from the doping controversy that began in March still haunts him. It all began when Sinner’s physiotherapist accidentally used a spray containing the banned substance clostebol to treat a cut on his finger before massaging him. This led to Sinner testing positive and making headlines worldwide. Although he was cleared by the ITIA on grounds of “no fault or negligence,” WADA appealed in August, seeking a potential two-year ban from CAS. Despite this turmoil, Sinner secured eight titles this year, including two Grand Slams, and finished as World No. 1. But how has this saga truly affected him?

Sinner has addressed the doping controversy in post-match interviews, often keeping his responses brief. However, during the China Open, he opened up more when WADA announced its appeal. “We cannot control everything. Obviously, I’m very disappointed and also surprised,” he said to reporters in Beijing. Today, in a chat with Esquire, he reflects on his season’s challenges. Describing this period as a “tough time.”

While he faced injury and illness that affected his performance, Sinner admitted that the doping saga stood out the most. For the simple reason that he felt alone, he said, “I couldn’t talk to anyone about it. I couldn’t vent or get help. All the people who knew me and watched me play understood that there was something wrong with me.” This internal struggle affected his game at the China Open. He lost to Carlos Alcaraz in a tough final despite putting up a strong fight. “I [had] sleepless nights because even if you are certain of your innocence, you know that these things are complex.”

The support from the tennis community helped ground him. “Everyone immediately told the truth and that allowed me to play.” Yet there were tough moments too. At Wimbledon, when the situation first broke out, he felt “white” with fear and anxiety during his quarterfinal match against Daniil Medvedev. He lost that match after a grueling five sets, ending his hopes of clinching another Grand Slam this year.

“I went into training at the Cincinnati clubhouse and thought, How are they looking at me? What do they really think of me? I realized who my real friends are,” he recalled. During this controversy, many tennis critics and players like Nick Kyrgios, Denis Shapovalov, Liam Broady, and Tara Moore voiced their displeasure on social media. They argued that the leniency shown to Sinner was unfair compared to other players who faced suspensions for similar offenses. In turn, the case not only riddled him with stress but also made him “fearful” of those around him.

Despite ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse’s statement about handling Sinner’s case with impartiality—“The way we manage cases does not change regardless of the profile of the player involved”—the weight of an impending CAS verdict still looms over Sinner. The decision could come at any time in 2025. Leaving him in a state of uncertainty as he navigates this challenging chapter in his career.

John Wertheim questions Sinner’s doping ruling amid Iga Swiatek’s case

On November 28, John Wertheim discussed Swiatek’s doping situation. Which came to light last week, confirming that the Polish star tested positive for a banned heart medication trimetazidine (TMZ) in an out-of-competition sample taken in August 2024. Swiatek explained that her use of the substance was unintentional, caused by contamination from a nonprescription melatonin medication she took for jet lag and sleep issues. The ITIA accepted her explanation, ruling that her fault was “at the lowest end of the range for no significant fault or negligence.” As a result, she received a one-month suspension and a fine, despite being World No. 1 at the time.

On Andy Roddick’s ‘Served’ podcast, Wertheim raised questions about what this ruling could mean for Sinner. He noted, “What this means for Jannik Sinner is sort of an obvious way to go. If Swiatek is getting 30 days for tainted melatonin, I don’t know what that does for Sinner, whose case is obviously under appeal. Hopefully, we’ll hear soon from the CAS.” He expressed concern about the implications of WADA’s strict stance on doping violations. Suggesting that Sinner’s verdict could set a significant precedent for top players in the sport.

As the tennis world watches closely, the contrast between Swiatek’s and Sinner’s cases highlights the complexities of doping regulations. While Swiatek managed to navigate her situation with a relatively light penalty, Sinner’s future remains unclear. What’s your take on this situation?