Jannik Sinner is expected to win the Australian Open. Some believe he shouldn't even be there.

Rising tennis star Jannik Sinner's ascent to a World No. 1 tennis ranking was clouded by controversy.

The Italian tennis player, who made history becoming the first Italian to achieve the top ranking, is facing scrutiny over positive doping tests taken back in March 2023.

While the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) cleared him of any wrongdoing, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is challenging it in court, with the hearing to take place on April 16-17 this year.

The timing is not ideal. Sinner is expected to dominate the 2025 Australian Open, and rather than conversation focusing on his exceptional tennis, the upcoming hearing is front-of-mind.

At just 23 years old, the Italian tennis sensation has already etched his name in tennis history with an impressive collection of 18 ATP titles, including two Grand Slams.

But how did he get here and what is next for him? This is everything we know.

Who is Jannik Sinner, and what age is he?

Born on August 16, 2001, Sinner is just 23 years of age. Sinner's sporting journey began as a competitive skier. By age eight, he had won a national championship in giant slalom. However, at 13, he made the pivot to tennis, relocating to Bordighera to train under coach Riccardo Piatti.

Sinner's meteoric rise in tennis began in 2019 when he broke into the top 100 and claimed the Next Generation ATP Finals title. His 2024 season proved historic as he became the first player to win the Australian Open, US Open, ATP Finals, and Davis Cup in the same season.

Jannik Sinner and the doping controversy.

In March 2024, Sinner tested positive twice for trace amounts of Clostebol, an anabolic steroid. The tests were taken while he was playing at the Indian Wells tournament and the Miami Open.

Sinner claimed that the doping was unintentional contamination, after his former physiotherapist used a spray containing the steroid Clostebol to treat a cut on his finger before providing massage therapy to Sinner.

Sinner believes the substance entered his body through the skin. The physiotherapist's testimony aligned with Sinner's account of events.

Jannik Sinner at the 2025 Australian Open Previews. Image: Getty.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) conducted a thorough investigation, and their independent tribunal concluded that Sinner bore "no fault or negligence" in the matter, clearing him of any wrongdoing.

Following this incident, Sinner made the decision to part ways with both his physiotherapist and fitness coach before the US Open. There were no allegations of intentional doping throughout the investigation, and the final ruling reflected the accidental nature of the contamination.

However, while the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted Sinner's explanation and initially cleared him of any wrongdoing, not all doping authorities agree.

ITIA abide by doping rules as set out by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and WADA later appealed ITIA's ruling. WADA is seeking a ban of one to two years through an appeal in the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

"It is WADA's view that the finding of 'no fault or negligence' was not correct under the applicable rules," a statement read.

"WADA is seeking a period of ineligibility of between one and two years. WADA is not seeking a disqualification of any results, save that which has already been imposed by the tribunal of first instance."

The hearing will begin on April 16, 2025.

What has Jannik Sinner said about the WADA appeal?

The case has drawn attention from tennis legends, including Roger Federer, who questioned whether Sinner should have been allowed to continue competing until fully cleared. Meanwhile, Nick Kyrgios has launched multiple critiques against Sinner regarding the doping allegations.

Despite the controversy, Sinner maintains his innocence, stating, "I haven't done anything wrong, that's why I'm still here. That's why I'm still playing."

Speaking at a press conference in Rome, Sinner continued to slam the accusations.

"I can say that I've never taken anything in my life. I'm totally against doping," he said. "I've always been someone who prefers not to take anything, even when I have a headache."

Will Jannik Sinner win the Australian Open 2025?

We can't see a crystal ball into the future, but it is possible that Sinner will win the 2025 Australian Open.

He's the defending champion, the World No. 1 and the top seed for the tournament. He's also continued his impressive form throughout last year and has a powerful baseline game that make him a formidable opponent. This all works in his favour, and many experts think it could mean he'll clinch the title once again.

However, he has some strong competition from other top ranked players like Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and Novak Djokovic. While Sinner is certainly a top contender, the unpredictable nature of tennis means that his victory is not assured.

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How tall is Jannik Sinner?

In tennis, height matters, and Jannik has it. The star tennis player is 1.92 meters tall (6 feet, 3 inches). As tennis requires you to clear the net, being tall can help to offer a more powerful serve, stronger ground strokes and good lateral movement and reach.

However, there is some discussion about being too tall. Historically, taller players (over 6'4") have limited success in winning multiple major championships.

Who is Jannik Sinner's coach?

Darren Cahill is currently Jannik Sinner's coach, but he will only remain in this role for the 2025 season. He is retiring, marking the end of their successful partnership that began in 2022.

After Cahill's departure, Simone Vagnozzi, who has been working alongside Cahill, is expected to take on a more prominent role in Sinner's coaching team. Sinner said he was "very lucky and happy to be [Cahill's] last player on tour".

Who is Jannik Sinner's girlfriend?

Like many tennis greats, Sinner is currently dating another player.

His girlfriend is Russian tennis star Anna Kalinskaya, 26, who is currently ranked World No. 14 in women's singles by the WTA. She's been playing tennis since she was five, and has previously made it to the Quarterfinals of the 2024 Australian Open.

The couple confirmed their relationship in May 2024 and were spotted supporting one another at Wimbledon last year.

While the pair are largely private about their romance, they did share a kiss after his US Open victory in September.

Jannik Sinner celebrates his US Open win with his girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya. Image: Getty.

Who are Jannik Sinner's parents?

Jannik Sinner was born to parents Johann Sinner and Siglinde Sinner, who are both from South Tyrol, Northern Italy.

His father works as a chef at a ski lodge in the region, and met his mother while she was working as a waitress at the same restaurant. Sinner also has a sibling, a younger brother, Marc Sinner.

Throughout his media interviews, Sinner has thanked his parents for their support throughout his athletic career.

During his Australian Open victory speech he said, "I wish everyone could have my parents because they always let me choose whatever I wanted to, even when I was younger."

He said they never pressured him to pursue sport, which ultimately led to Sinner trying skiing, football, and tennis, before choosing the latter.

Feature image: Getty.