Positive drugs tests gave me sleepless nights, says Jannik Sinner after ATP Finals victory

The Italian, who tested positive in 2 drug tests and is awaiting a final ruling, thanked his team for keeping him stable in a successful year

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Jannik Sinner’s win in Turin, where he also won US$4.8m for winning all his matches, capped off a year when he also won his first two grand slam titles and finished as the year-end No 1. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 4:00pm, 18 Nov 2024Updated: 5:51pm, 18 Nov 2024

Jannik Sinner said his positive drugs test gave him sleepless nights, as the world No 1 opened up on the effects the case has been having on his personal well-being.

The Italian beat Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 on Sunday to win the ATP Finals trophy in front of his home fans in a repeat of the US Open final, which Sinner also claimed in straight sets.

But, despite shining on the court, off it, his world was rocked when he tested positive in two separate drugs tests in March and a decision to clear him of wrongdoing was appealed by the World Anti-Doping Agency in September. A final ruling is expected from the Court of Arbitration for Sport early next year.

Sinner’s explanation was that the banned performance enhancer entered his system unintentionally through a massage from his physiotherapist, who had used a spray containing the steroid to treat his own cut finger.

“I’ve kept on thinking about where we went wrong and what we could have done better,” Sinner said in Italian. “I had days where I wasn’t feeling great; nights when I didn’t sleep well.

Jannik Sinner (third from right) celebrates with his trophy and his team after winning the ATP Finals. Photo: EPA-EFE

“But when I put my hat on, I don’t think about what’s going on beyond the court,” Sinner added. “I’m fortunate to have people around me who keep me stable. Thanks to them we’ve continued to work hard every day like there’s no tomorrow and we’ve even improved in this period.”