MELBOURNE – Defending champion Jannik Sinner enters the Australian Open a different player than the one who walked into Melbourne Park a year ago—stronger in both body and mind after navigating what he calls the most difficult period of his young career.

The 24-year-old Italian faced the tournament last year under the shadow of an unresolved doping case, which raised questions and changed how some fellow players viewed him. Despite the pressure, Sinner successfully defended his title but later admitted he had considered stepping away from the sport.

Doping authorities eventually gave him a three-month ban, allowing time away from the tour. Upon his return, Sinner won his first Wimbledon crown and capped the season with another ATP Finals title, marking the most successful stretch of his career.

"Last year was definitely a much more difficult situation," Sinner told reporters Friday. "At that moment, I didn't know exactly what was going to happen. I tried still to enjoy it when going out on the court, but you still have it in your head.

"It was difficult for me, but also for the family," he added. "I tried to stay with the people I really love, which at times worked very well. At times it was a bit disappointing, too."

A year on, the four-time Grand Slam champion said the experience had helped him mature, giving him the ability to tackle challenges both on and off the court.

"It got me even stronger as a person," he said. "The person I've become is much more mature because I see things, when they're not going in the right direction, in different ways. Whatever comes on court, result-wise, that’s all an extra. I live the sport in a very different way now, which is relaxed, but I give everything I have. It’s a balance of everything."

Second seed Sinner, who faces France's Hugo Gaston in the first round, is favored by bookmakers to win a third consecutive title at Melbourne Park, slightly ahead of arch-rival Carlos Alcaraz. The duo dominated the Grand Slam trophies last season, and a rematch in the Melbourne final on February 1 would not surprise anyone.

Sinner lost to six-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz in the U.S. Open final and left Flushing Meadows determined to add more variety to his game. He revealed Friday that he has focused on improving his physical endurance, experimenting with his serve, and refining his transition to the net.

"It's not just about beating one guy," Sinner said. "It's more about feeling comfortable in every situation. That's what we tried to do in the off-season."

-Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters