In March, the Italian showed a positive doping test but claims that he ingested the anabolic steroid klostebol by mistake. This through a massage by his physiotherapist, who had injured his finger and used an ointment containing the steroid without using gloves.
The International Tennis Federation bought Sinner’s explanation and cleared him, but the anti-doping body Wada wants to see him banned for two years.
The case is now with the sports court of arbitration, Cas, which has not yet issued its ruling.
“Thinking about this for sure”
– I know just as much as you do. We are at a stage where we don’t know many, many things, he told reporters ahead of the tournament, which begins on Sunday.
Although Sinner is sure that he will be freed, it is still a painfully drawn-out process.
– Yes, you think about this, of course. I’d be lying if I said I forgot about it. It’s something I’ve had with me for quite some time, says Sinner.
Top-seeded Sinners open their game at Rod Laver Arena by facing difficult Chilean Nicolas Jarry, who is ranked 34th in the world, perhaps the toughest draw he could have received.
– I’m here trying to prepare for a Grand Slam. Let’s see how it goes, Sinner thinks.