“This kind of agreement, I didn’t want to do it in the beginning,” Sinner admitted on Monday. “It was not easy for me to accept it because I know what really happened, but sometimes we have to choose the best in a very bad moment.”
Sinner’s suspension not only kept him from competing at the last four Masters 1000 tournaments, he was further prevented from attending any professional sporting events.
“I don’t know how many knows this, but for example, to watch a simple match in a football stadium, I couldn’t go watch it,” said Sinner. “I wanted to support my friends in cycling or motorsport; I couldn’t go there. That, for me, was the toughest part.
“But all things considered, I tried to make the best out of it, being ready mentally for the point when I started to play tennis again. It’s all fine. I’m very glad to have spent that time with my family.”
Sinner went on to speak of the emotional toll of the last 12 months that culminated in his ban, and his low expectations as he officially begins preparations for Roland Garros, the year’s second major tournament in Paris.
