Doping drama on back burner as Sinner wins again

Jannik Sinner shoved his doping case to the back of his mind as the Italian lifted his third Grand Slam with a straight-set defeat of Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open.

The world No. 1 faces an appeals hearing on April 16, with the World Anti-Doping Agency protesting two decisions by an independent tribunal clearing him after twice testing positive for banned clostebol in March, 2024.

Neutral Switzerland’s Court of Arbitration for Sport will deal with the troubling matter in a two-day hearing just over a month out from the start of Roland Garros.

A successful appeal by the body could keep Sinner off court for up to two years.

But the 23-year-old  kept his head and emotions clear as he dominated Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-3.

“When I go on the court, even if sometimes it’s very difficult to block these kinds of things, I have the team and people who are close to me who trust me,” he said.

That for me is even more important because I can talk very openly with them. 

“When I go on court, I try to focus on the match. I know it can be three, four, five hours, but that’s the part of the day where I have to be very focused.”

The Italian added: “Obviously also in the gym, trying to stay into your routine,
then you think a bit less about what’s happening.

“Of course, it’s still a little bit in the back of your mind. I know that I’m in this position now. So nothing I can change.”

Main photo:- Jannik Sinner with his back to back Australian Open trophy – by ISF Ltd