After the disqualification, Jannik Sinner returns to TV and tells his story to TG1: the exclusive interview

A few days before the start of the Italian Internationals, which will mark the end of his disqualification for the Clostebol case, Jannik Sinner breaks the silence and confides in ainterview exclusive to TG1. An opportunity for the Italian tennis player to talk about his experience, the difficulties he faced and the lessons he learned in these months away from the courts.

Interview with Sinner causes Affari Tuoi to be postponed: Bruno Vespa postpones the episode

Rai, with Tg1, obtained an exclusive interview with Sinner right on the eve of his debut at the Rome International, which will start on May 7th.

The only price to pay was Bruno Vespa's postponement: his usual appointment with Five minutes was postponed to make room for the dialogue between the director Gian Marco Chiocci and the tennis player. The interview, entitled Game, match, encounter, was broadcast immediately after the Tg1, at 20pm, occupying the space of Cinque Minuti. Consequently, Your business with Stefano De Martino slated to 20pm.

Sinner suspended for three months after Clostebol case: the explanation and the final agreement

Jannik Sinner has been suspended for three months after testing positive for the virus twice. clostebol, a banned anabolic, during the tournament of Indian Wells in March 2024. The tennis player explained that the physiotherapist had used a drug containing clostebol to treat a small cut on his hand and, by massaging it without gloves, had caused a accidental contamination through the skin.

Initially, a sports tribunal had ruled that Sinner had not violated anti-doping rules, but the WADA he appealed, arguing that the athlete was still responsible for the actions of his staff.

On February 15, 2025, the parties reached an out-of-court settlement resulting in a three-month suspension, from the February 9 to the 4 May 2025, with the possibility of resuming training from April 15th.

Sinner returns to TV after three months of disqualification: the exclusive interview with TG1

In the interview that aired this evening at 20pm, Sinner talked about the disqualification and the emotions experienced in recent months. He explained that his state of mind on the pitch was not what it should be, since, after so much training, the goal is to have fun during the matches. However, he admitted that this fun has diminished over time, as his mind was occupied with other concerns.

Now, however, Jannik is focused exclusively on his return. He said that there is not much time left and that he can't wait to return to Rome, a place he considers special.

“I come in with a different mentality. I miss the competition. I am very glad this phase is over".

He also added that he will soon be together with the whole Italian group, with extraordinary players, and that he expects great support from the public.

"There's not much left. I'm happy to come back. Rome is the place more beautiful where to start again. We will all be there, me and the other incredible guys of our tennis. We expect a great cheeringWe want to make you emozionare".

Looking back on the day in April when he tested positive for clostebol, Sinner said:

“I didn’t understand what happened, I didn’t know anything. From that moment I accepted, I couldn't do anything else. We knew immediately what had happened, but I had a hard time accepting these three months because in my head I thought 'I didn't do anything'”.

The world number one spoke about the people around him who helped him a lot and believed in him. This gave him the strength to continue.

“There is no one who has different treatments. They checked me out maybe more than the othersThe protocol is that one. I don't feel like responding to those who judged me, for me it is important to know what happened and what I went through. I do not wish something like this on anyone to be considered innocent. Everyone can say what they want”, He responded to the athletes' criticism in such a way that I believe he was favored.

Sinner talked about the moment he decided to dedicate himself to tennis and explained that he immediately felt that it was the right path for him. Since he was a child, even though he trained little, he was still able to obtain good results, and this made him realize that he had a natural talent for this sport.

“In addition to talent, you need sacrifices, moments of difficulty, luck, and having the right people. Talent is important if you combine it with work".

According to the athlete, there is a deep connection between private life and sports activity, a relationship that can significantly influence an athlete's career. Peace in the personal sphere, combined with the support of family and close people, can have a positive impact on performance and motivation. However, the pressures related to competition can also weigh on the private dimension, which is why it is essential to maintain a balance. For Sinner, in fact, sport represents not only a physical test, but also a path of personal growth.

“When I knew I was the number one in the world was an incredible emotion. Another crazy moment was on the center court in Rome, in Turin, it didn't seem like we were on a tennis court but in a football stadium".

Now, for Sinner, before thinking about Roland Garros, the goal is to focus on the previous tournament, namely Wimbledon. However, before that, it is essential to play a few matches to evaluate his condition.

“We have done many things and achieved many results. Every good thing has an end and that's okay., although many things can change in a year. Let's see", the athlete said about the possible farewell of coach Cahill.

With evident emotion in his voice, he confided that he had seriously thought about to give up tennis shortly before the Australian Open. He explained that he no longer feels comfortable in any situation and that he perceives a different look from the other players.

“I remember before the Australian Open this year, I was in a not so happy moment. I didn't feel at ease in Australia at all. in the locker room or at the restaurant, the players looked at me differently and I didn't like it at all. There I thought that living tennis in that way was really hard: I've always been someone who took tennis jokingly, I thought about taking some time off after Australia. I needed some different time, with friends, giving priority to the people who love me".

Sinner and his thoughts on Federer, Nadal, Djokovic

Jannik said he was lucky enough to know the last two a little better, while Roger knew him little, having rarely seen him and having had little contact with him. In this regard, he said he can judge Rafa and Nole a little better:

"I like Rafa a lot. He is a person who cares a lot about those around him and is a great fighter. If we look at the numbers the best is Nole, but we have to be happy to live in this moment. What they have shown in these 20 years is crazy”.