I know I’m innocent but it was hard

The first tennis player of the world Janik Sinner gave the first interview after the doping sentence imposed. In conversation for Sky Italia He said he felt fragile when he learned of a three -month ban on playing. He said that he seemed a little unfair, although he had avoided any longer exclusion.

“When I found out about the bans in Doha, I felt fragile. But the people around me helped me get back on my feet. But it was very difficult, « Sinner told Sky Italia, German news agency reports dpa.

“I did not completely agree with the ban and compromise. In the end, you have to choose a smaller evil from two, even if what I spend is a bit unfair. It could be even worse and face even more injustice, « said the 23-year-old South Tyrol of San Candida or Innichena, who currently lives in Monaco.

In March 2024, Sinner was positive on an anabolic agent klostbol. He avoided the sanctions after claiming that the substance had accidentally came into his body through an over -the -counter product used by his physiotherapist to treat a small wound on his arm.

The World Anti -Doping Agency (WADA) appealed to the original decision of the International Agency for Tennis Integrity (Itia) at the Sports Tribunal (CAS) and demanded a two -year ban on play.

In February, Sinner agreed to a three -month ban on playing up to 4 May, after Wada agreed to find that the number 1 of the world men’s tennis had accidentally infected with the substance and did not want to cheat.

Some players criticized the judgment as too indulgent. “I was very fragile at first. I’m not a person without emotions, you always learn life. Players who talked badly about me? I know I’m innocent, but it was difficult, « Sinner said.

Sinner will be able to play again in early May and is expected to play on his home for the first time on the Italian at the Masters tennis masters in Rome, on his schedule before the start of the Tournament for the Grand Slam, Open France, May 25. There is also a tournament in Hamburg.

“Did I count the days? I do this from the first day of my ban, « Sinner said.

Sinner’s last tournament was in Melbourne in January when he defended the title to the Australian Open. As he said, he trains hard for a return.

“The break was a good opportunity to improve in areas where I had problems – on the grounds that are harder for me. I feel better every day – both physically and mentally, « Sinner said.

He has won 19 titles in his career, he is a three -time winner of the big slam tournaments, and in 2024 he also celebrated at the US Open.