During the traditional press-conference before the start of the Happy Slam, the Italian was asked if he wanted to respond to the comments of Nick Kyrgios (who has attacked him many times in the last period). “I don’t think I have to answer this, to be honest” – Jannik stated.

Jannik Sinner is defiant in his innocence despite the consistent jibes levelled at him by Nick Kyrgios who has been heavily critical of the World No.1 since he tested positive twice for the substance Clostebol which was confirmed in November.

Nick Kyrgios has vowed to turn his potential match against Jannik Sinner into "an absolute riot" if they meet at the Australian Open. Kyrgios, who has been a vocal critic of world No. 1 and defending champion Sinner over his two positive doping tests last year,

Iga Swiatek, a self-described “control freak,” is taking new precautions — including holding on to extra samples of medicine she takes, in case they need to be tested at some point — after a doping case she describes as probably the worst time in her life.

Iga Swiatek, a self-described "control freak," is taking new precautions after a doping case she described as "probably, like, the worst time in my life." Jannik Sinner, meanwhile, acknowledged that his on his mind entering the season's first Grand Slam.

Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek were both able to go for months last season without anyone knowing what was happening behind the scenes and that they'd failed doping tests.

Defending champion Jannik Sinner and 10-time Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic have landed in opposite sides of the draw for the season’s first major, ruling out a replay of last year’s semifinal encounter.

Jannik Sinner will launch his Australian Open title defence under a stubborn doping cloud but the whiff of scandal may do little to halt the Italian juggernaut. Sinner remains the man to beat at Melbourne Park even as doping officials seek a two-year ban for the world number one for failing two drugs tests last March.