‘I did not like how people looked at me in Melbourne’

World no. 1 Jannik Sinner opened up about the emotional toll of rising stardom! The three-time Major winner revealed that the pressure he felt in Melbourne this year nearly pushed him to take a break from tennis!

The Italian admitted he struggled mentally with the growing spotlight over his two failed doping tests in March last year. Jannik admitted he did not like his time in Melbourne ahead of the first Major of the season, with players looking at him differently. 

Thus, the 23-year-old questioned his relationship with the sport and, despite his relaxed approach, considered taking a break from the sport after the Australian Open. 

Nadal habla claro sobre la sanción a Jannik y está convencido de su inocencia

🗣️ “No creo en absoluto que Jannik quisiera hacer algo”

Entrevista de @AmandaDCNN en @cnnsport 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/TDDpCYRiDx

— Eurosport.es (@Eurosport_ES) April 29, 2025

However, Jannik showed incredible mental strength on the court, dropping two sets in seven encounters and defending the Australian Open crown! It gave him an additional boost and an opened space to accept a three-month suspension and take a break from the sport.

The Italian skipped four Masters 1000 events. However, he has kept his ATP throne ahead of Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz, who missed their chances to pass him. Sinner used his time off the court to reset and embrace quality time with his family and friends.

Jannik acknowledged that the pause gave him much-needed space to recover and leave the doping case behind. The 23-year-old is ready for a fresh start at the home Masters 1000 event at Foro Italico. Sinner will play his first tournament since the Australian Open. 

He has been working hard in the previous weeks, improving his level and hoping to chase notable titles in Rome, Paris and London. 

“I was not at a very happy place ahead…