Jannik Sinner Believes Fellow Players Have ‘Forgotten’ his Controversial Doping Scandal

After his Australian Open win in early 2025, Jannik Sinner was banned for three months for his doping scandal.

Jannik Sinner Believes Fellow Players Have ‘Forgotten’ his Controversial Doping Scandal

Jannik Sinner (X/The Tennis Letter)

Jannik Sinner believes most people have moved on from his anti-doping controversy, and he’s focused on the future after a dominant Wimbledon opener. The world No. 1 dismissed Luca Nardi 6-4, 6-3, 6-0 to reach the second round, continuing his flawless 15-0 record against fellow Italians. The performance was clinical, with Sinner winning 34 of 38 first-serve points and hitting 28 winners on Centre Court.

The Italian is looking to shift attention back to his tennis after serving a three-month doping suspension earlier this year. Though he tested positive twice for the banned substance clostebol, an expert panel found no fault on his part, accepting that contamination occurred through his former physio during treatment. WADA later appealed, leading to a reduced ban under a settlement agreement. No evidence suggested any intent to cheat. Sinner said in his post-match press conference:

All good. I think people, in a way, have already forgotten a bit about what happened. This is the good and bad thing about today’s society; something happens, and people no longer remember what happened yesterday.

Despite the setback, Sinner has kept his form sharp. Since last year’s Wimbledon quarter-finals, he’s added five ATP titles, including two Grand Slam victories. His Grand Slam match-win tally now stands at 75 — the highest for any Italian in the Open Era — and he remains undefeated at majors while ranked world No. 1.

Sinner’s focus now is on going deep at SW19 and recovering from the disappointment of the French Open. In Paris, he came agonizingly close to winning his first Roland Garros title, holding three championship points before falling to Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set classic. Wimbledon gives him a new shot at redemption.

Jannik Sinner eases past Luca Nardi

World No.1 Jannik Sinner returned to Grand Slam action at Wimbledon looking to reassert himself after a tough loss to Carlos Alcaraz at Roland Garros. That match marked his first major since serving a three-month suspension, and he was determined to start strong on grass.

Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner (via Wimbledon)

In his warm-up event at Halle, Sinner struggled with his footing and serve. Those issues were evident in his defeat to Alexander Bublik in the round of 16, where the Italian wasn’t at his usual level. It served as a wake-up call ahead of Wimbledon.

Back on the grass at SW19, Sinner responded with authority. His serve was sharp from the outset, and he controlled the match with confidence. He dropped only seven games and looked far more settled than in Halle.

In contrast to Alcaraz’s five-set battle against Fabio Fognini, Sinner’s quick win kept him fresh. With the heat intensifying at Wimbledon, such an efficient start could prove valuable in the later rounds.

How Jannik Sinner won his Wimbledon opener

Top seed Jannik Sinner returned to Wimbledon eager to make a statement, and he did just that with a commanding performance against Luca Nardi. His serve was a key weapon early on, setting the tone from the first set. Despite Nardi saving a break after three double faults in the eighth game, Sinner’s consistent pressure and superior variety on serve gave him the upper hand.

Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Jannik Sinner HQ)

Although his first serve percentage was slightly lower than usual, Sinner remained composed behind it. A powerful 100 mph forehand helped him earn two set points late in the opening set, reflecting his dominance from the baseline. That shot also signaled the beginning of his growing control over the match, as his pace and rhythm left Nardi struggling to respond.

In the second set, Sinner found another gear. He claimed a key break early and quickly won three straight games, asserting control. Nardi attempted to counter with drop shots and aggressive play, even managing to win a few tight rallies. However, Sinner’s defense and shot selection consistently turned the tide in his favor. Even as Nardi fought back to 5-3, Sinner’s composure on serve sealed the set.

The final set was one-sided, with Sinner cruising to a 6-0 finish. Nardi’s early resistance faded as the world No. 1 dominated every aspect of the game. The match ended with Sinner making a powerful statement, brushing aside his opponent and starting his Wimbledon campaign in style.

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