Jannik Sinner is gearing up to return to tennis after a three month suspension from the ATP Tour.
Sinner last competed at the Australian Open, where he beat Alexander Zverev in the final to claim his third major title.
The Italian subsequently received a three month suspension in February, after accepting a deal from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) following two positive tests in March 2024.
Despite being unable to compete since January, Sinner has remained as world number one after his rivals have been unable to take full advantage of his absence.
However, Sinner has been unable to avoid comments about his doping ban from many of his peers, including two of the greatest players of all time in Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams.
Jannik Sinner reacts to Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams’ comments
Both Djokovic and Williams have commented on Sinner’s case, offering varying opinions on the 23-year-old’s situation.
While neither former world number one has criticized Sinner personally, both have suggested that there are some inconsistencies in the system.
Djokovic revealed at the Qatar Open that there was a feeling in the locker room that Sinner received preferential treatment due to being world number one.
While Williams claimed that she would have received a 20-year ban if she had done the same as Sinner.
In a new interview with Italian broadcaster TG1, Sinner has now responded to both Djokovic and Williams, as well as many other people that have commented on his case.
“Everyone is free to say what they want,” said Sinner. “Everyone can judge but that’s okay. I mean, for me it’s important that I know about what happened but above all, also what I went through and it was very difficult.
“So I really don’t wish that on anyone to go through something like that as an innocent because it was not easy. But we live in a. World where everyone can say what they want, so that’s okay.”
Jannik Sinner reveals why he does not get angry on court
Someone who has been a particular critic of Sinner during this time is Nick Kyrgios, who has been very outspoken against the Australian and US Open champion.
Kyrgios has been more personal towards Sinner than the likes of Djokovic and Williams, arguing his belief that he should have received a significantly harsher ban.
The former Wimbledon finalist has been known for his outbursts on court over the years, something that Sinner is worlds apart from.
When continuing his interview with TG1, Sinner was asked about how he manages stay so calm on court and maintain his composure in the most pressurized moments.
“I have them too and I have many but it’s always playing tennis,” answered Sinner. “It’s a bit like a game of poker. When you see that the other is struggling it gives you strength, right? I have moments I’m tired, when I’m more nervous and when sometimes I don’t feel the game.
“Sometimes I’m really nervous because I want to show myself that I’m capable and then I can’t do it. I mean there are so many moments where everything isn’t perfect. But in the end it’s a game.
“And you have to play tennis. I mean if you want to smash the ball or if you you want to, who knows what, it doesn’t work.”
Sinner will return to tennis at the Italian Open, which begins on Wednesday May 7, as he looks to make a statement at his home Masters 1000 tournament.
This is one of three upcoming clay court tournaments he is entered into, with the Hamburg Open and Roland Garros also on the horizon for Sinner.
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