Jannik Sinner looked unbeatable at this year’s Australian Open as he once again dominated German Alexander Zverev in the men’s final on Sunday night.
But with a potential two-year ban hanging over his head, Sinner was not in an overly celebratory mood after claiming the first grand slam of the year with a win over Zverev 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 6-3..
The straight-sets rout elevated the 23-year-old to rarefied air alongside Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer as only the third man since Open-era tennis began in 1968 to snare three consecutive hard-court grand slam crowns.
So while he is now halfway towards joining Djokovic as the only man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four grand slam titles simultaneously, Sinner’s participation in the next major at the French Open in May remains doubtful.
The World Anti-Doping Agency is pushing for the World No. 1 to be slapped with a two-year ban, with the Italian set to face the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland in April.
Sinner tested positive for the banned steroid Clostebol last March and WADA is challenging a decision last year by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) not to suspend Sinner for what the ITIA deemed to be accidental contamination.
That closed-door hearing casts a dark cloud over Sinner’s immediate future and his bid to add more grand slam trophies to his rapidly filling up cabinet.
However, Sinner remained positive about his future in the sport as he reflected on his Australian Open triumph.
“Honesty, having difficulties, especially in the tough moments and how I handled them, I know exactly this will help me in the future,” he said.
“But I also want to enjoy this one because this one has a different feeling, has a different perspective, this trophy.
“It’s difficult to talk about the future. But this one means so much to me.”
In addition to his two Australian Open titles – won either side of claiming the US Open spoils for the first time in 2024 – Sinner also won the season-ending ATP Finals championship and was the talisman in Italy’s successful Davis Cup defence, in what has been a stellar last 12 months for the World No.1.
And despite the upcoming hearing casting serious doubt over his immediate future, the Italian vowed to keep improving his game whether he is competing or not.
“Maybe the second serve could be a little bit more aggressive and trying to sneak into the net a little bit more,” he said.
“For sure, there are some areas where I can improve.
“I also want to be a better player. I’m not only seeing the result.
“It is important in one year’s time to say ‘OK, I have improved as a player’ and that is much more important.”
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