Jannik Sinner: Italian considered quitting tennis during doping case

Sinner had previously been cleared of any wrongdoing by an independent panel, but Wada launched an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas), seeking a ban of up to two years.

However, he reached a settlement with the anti-doping agency for a shorter sanction and is expected to make his comeback at the Italian Open (6-18 May) in Rome after his ban expires on 5 May.

Wada acknowledged Sinner did not gain any competitive advantage from the banned substance, and that he bore no fault for an accidental contamination.

His ban was criticised by some in the tennis world, with 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams stating she would have received a 20-year ban and had her titles “taken away”.

Former British number one Tim Henman labelled the agreement “too convenient”, while three-time Swiss Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka said he “did not believe in clean sport anymore”.

However, Sinner defended his position as he added: “I don’t want to respond to criticism. People are free to say what they want and judge people.

“What matters to me is that I known what I’ve been through. It was difficult and I wouldn’t wish anyone to go through that as an innocent person.”