Jannik Sinner reveals personal impact of doping controversy after beating Novak Djokovic

For all his success it's been a tricky 2024 for tennis world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who has a doping case hanging over his head while he continues to add to his trophy collection

Jannik Sinner has opened up about the emotional toll of his doping scandal.

On the court, it's been a stellar 2024 for Sinner. The Italian, 23, triumphed at both the Australian Open and US Open and added his seventh title of the season at the Shanghai Masters on Sunday, beating Novak Djokovic 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 in the final.

However, Sinner's achievements as world No. 1 have been somewhat overshadowed by controversy after he tested positive twice for the banned substance clostebol in March. Although an independent panel cleared him of wrongdoing, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has challenged the decision, with the case to be heard in the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

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The situation has taken the shine off his success, with Sinner admitting in his post-match press conference: "I know this year has been very, very difficult for me because of other circumstances and at points I lost my smile a little bit because I had some issues off the court, and then they're still in my mind sometimes.

"So it's never easy to play in these kind of circumstances where I am in, but I just try to enjoy in the best possible way I can on the court. And obviously success is something great, and then it's nice to say thanks to all the people who are working with me daily, who know me more than most likely all the other people.

"I just try to stay very calm, and not making any problems if I miss shots or I get unlucky sometimes, just trying to keep pushing with the best energy I have in that day. Every day's a bit different, so I'm happy how I'm handling the situations on the court.

"I try to control what I can control, which is the mental and the physical aspect. But the rest, you know, you just have to believe and try to stay composed, especially in important moments in a match."

Sinner's doping violation came to light in August after the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) referred the matter to an independent tribunal. He said the two positive tests were due to contamination from his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi.

Naldi had sustained a cut on his finger in early March and used an over-the-counter spray called Trofodermin, which contains clostebol, to treat it. He continued to apply massages and bandages to Sinner without wearing gloves, leading to the contamination.

Both the ITIA and the independent panel accepted Sinner's account, exonerating him of intentional wrongdoing. However, this decision has been met with criticism.

Nick Kyrgios, for example, called for Sinner to receive a two-year ban. WADA last month lodged an appeal and are seeking a suspension of between 12 and 24 months.