World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has once again addressed the challenges he faced due to the doping scandal and shared his anticipation for returning to competition.
“The body needs to readjust,” Sinner explained. “When you`re out of practice, you get calluses on your hands again. But that`s fine. I`m very happy to be back and curious to see what level I`m currently at.”
Reflecting on the ban, he said, “Initially, I didn`t want to agree to the settlement [with WADA]. It was difficult for me to accept the terms because I know what truly happened. But sometimes you have to choose the best of a bad situation.”
“Perhaps some people don`t realize this,” he added, “but I couldn`t even attend a regular football match. I wanted to cheer on friends in cycling or motorsport, but I wasn`t allowed. That was the most challenging part. Nevertheless, I tried to use the time constructively to mentally prepare for my return to tennis. Everything is okay. I`m very happy I was with my family during that period.”
Sinner described the previous year: “Last year was very tough for me because of all the pressure. For months, I could barely talk to anyone about what happened. At the beginning of the Australian Open, I was in a difficult situation. It was hard, so a short break was beneficial. Three months… it is what it is. A short break was helpful. I felt like I hadn`t played for a long time.”
Regarding his current form, he admitted, “It`s still unclear what shape I`m in; it will be easier to evaluate over time. I`ll know my level after the first match.”
He concluded by mentioning how he handled the initial period of the ban: “At the start of the ban, I didn`t really follow tennis; I didn`t watch Indian Wells or Miami. I only knew the results,” Sinner stated during the press conference.
Rupert Hartwell 
Adrian Whitmore