"Stop asking Jannik Sinner about this" - Fans accuse journalist of 'ruining Italian's moment' with CAS appeal question after Australian Open triumph

Following his successful Australian Open title defense, Jannik Sinner was asked about the upcoming CAS hearing into WADA's appeal against the ITIA's decision to let the Italian continue playing despite twice testing positive for a banned substance last year. However, the journalist who asked the question faced backlash from several fans, who suggested that Sinner should have been allowed to enjoy his latest Grand Slam success.

During Jannik Sinner's post-match press conference following his 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3 victory against Alexander Zverev in the 2025 Australian Open final, a journalist congratulated the Italian and fielded the following question:

"With the CAS appeal now happening before the next Grand Slam, does that shift your focus at all or is it just business as usual for you up until Roland Garros?"

In response, Jannik Sinner gave a curt answer, suggesting that the upcoming CAS hearing isn't on his mind and that he wants to savor his 2025 Australian Open title triumph.

"Tough to say. I mean, it's... I'm not thinking at the moment about this you know? I just came off an amazing run again here (in Melbourne) and I want to enjoy this moment to be honest," Sinner said.

Many fans on X (formerly Twitter) slammed the journalist. According to them, asking a player such a question isn't appropriate in the immediate aftermath of winning a prestigious trophy.

"STOP ASKING HIM ABOUT THIS HE JUST WON FOR GODS SAKE," a fan wrote.

"Why are these journalists intent on ruining the moment?" asked one.

"Such poor form to ask that question at this time. Loser "journalist". Let him celebrate. He's been through enough," another chimed in.

Here are some more reactions from fans who were irked by the nature of the question fielded by the journalist.

"Guess what Shelton said about the negativity wasn't clear enough," stated one fan, referring to Ben Shelton's criticism of broadcasters at the 2025 Australian Open.

"He should get compensation for every time he gets asked about this unnecessarily," opined one.

"Let the guy enjoy his championship!!!" another added.

The CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) hearing is set to take place across April 16-17 in Lausanne, Switzerland. WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) is seeking a ban of up to two years for Sinner, who was let off the hook by the ITIA (International Tennis Integrity Agency). The ITIA deemed that the Italian himself was not to blame for his exposure to Clostebol, the prohibited substance.

Nick Kyrgios, arguably the most vocal critic of Jannik Sinner amid the Italian's doping saga, recently raised his concerns regarding the nature of the impending CAS hearing.

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Jannik Sinner's CAS hearing deemed "shady" by Nick Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios (Source: Getty)

According to the temperamental and often controversial Nick Kyrgios, the upcoming CAS hearing into WADA's appeal is suspicious. Kyrgios voiced this sentiment after CAS confirmed that the hearing will take place behind closed doors.

"Why is it behind closed doors? If you did nothing wrong then let us have the transparency," Kyrgios wrote on X.

"At least we know it’s behind closed doors this time 😭😂 this is all so shady haha," the Australian added via a separate post.

Jannik Sinner has repeatedly shared his belief that the outcome of the hearing will be in his favor. Since the details of his doping controversy were made public last year, the Italian has clinched the 2024 editions of the US Open, Rolex Shanghai Masters, Nitto ATP Finals, Davis Cup Finals with Italy, and most recently, the 2025 Australian Open.