Sinner has a 'clear mind' about doping case after Australian Open win

Jannik Sinner stated that he hasn't dwelled much on the doping controversy surrounding him last year, after winning consecutive Australian Open titles. The world number one defeated second seed Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6(7/4), 6-3 at Melbourne Park to successfully defend his championship.

Prior to the Australian Open final, the difference in strength between Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev was not obvious. However, after the Italian successfully defended his title, the two players seem to be heading in different directions. This victory brings Sinner's record in Grand Slam finals to a perfect 3-0.

Just days before the start of the Australian Open, Sinner learned that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) had scheduled hearings for April 16 and 17 to address his two positive doping tests from last March. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) had previously ruled that Sinner should bear "no fault or negligence" after testing positive for the banned substance clostebol twice. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced in September that it had appealed to CAS, claiming that the ITIA's findings were "incorrect under the applicable rules." WADA is seeking a one to two-year ban for Sinner.

Sinner stated that the upcoming CAS hearing (which will be held behind closed doors) did not give him extra motivation. "The reason I can play like this is because I know what happened," he said at his post-match press conference. "If I knew I was guilty, I wouldn't play like this, that's it. I'm not thinking about it at the moment. Of course, on some days, you have some moments where you feel, 'I wish I didn't have this problem'. On the other hand, I always look forward to playing matches and trying to understand."

Sinner said he wants to savor the feeling of winning consecutive Australian Open titles. "I had another amazing journey here," he said. "I want to enjoy this moment, to be honest. Then there's the (CAS) hearing. We know the date now, that's it. I want to enjoy this moment now."

The ITIA's decision in August sparked fierce debate, with many arguing that a double standard was applied due to Sinner's high profile in the tennis world. Nick Kyrgios called the ruling "ridiculous" and refused to retract his criticism. Sinner stated that he is trying his best not to be distracted by the controversy. "It's actually hard to describe," he said. "There are many, many things happening off the court that you might not know. When I go on the court—even though sometimes it's difficult to block these things—I have my team and people who trust me around. That's more important for me because I can talk very openly with them. That's it. When I go on the court, I try to focus on the match. I know the match can last three, four, five hours, but that's the time of the day I have to be very focused."

Sinner added, "(The CAS hearing) is still in the back of your mind. I know I'm in this situation now. So (there's nothing) I can change." The Australian Open victory makes the 23-year-old the first Italian player to win three Grand Slam singles titles.