World number one Jannik Sinner still maintains his innocence after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) found him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and was given a three-month suspension.
Last year, on March 10 and 18, the 23-year-old tested positive for a prohibited substance, Clostebol, a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (CAAS), via urine samples.
The medication was purchased over the counter by Umberto Ferrara, his fitness coach. Sinners’ physiotherapist then used the spray containing Clostebol to treat his small wound while giving him a massage.
In February, the young Italian reached a settlement agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency, accepting a ban from February 9 until May 4.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Sinner said, he accepted the ban, even though he wasn’t really in agreement because he had to choose the least worst option.
“What I’ve been through is a bit unfair but if we look at the situation, it could have gone a lot worse.
“After we made the decision, it took me a bit of time to find my feet. I know what happened, and I know that I’m innocent.”
As the ban is getting closer to ending the three-time Grand Slam Champion is gearing up and preparing to return to the competitive court in the Rome Masters, which begins on May 7.
He will also be present to participate in the French Open and in the next Grand Slam of the year tournament that starts in May 19.
He also added that things will be hard for him when he returns, as his name will be on everyone’s lips and the attention will be on him if he messes up again.
“I don’t know what might happen. It will be difficult making a comeback with so much attention on me. The people I have around me, not just my team but my family and friends, the people I’m closest to, have no doubts about what the truth is.”
Sinner is still unmatched as he is still at the top of the ATP Tour’s World rankings with Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev unable to suppress him while absent in court.
