The 24-year-old Italian competed under the shadow of an ongoing doping investigation last year, feeling the scrutiny from both the court and fellow players.
He successfully defended his title but later revealed he had contemplated stepping away from the sport.
Doping authorities ultimately provided him with the time he needed away from the tour, imposing a three-month suspension.
After his return, he clinched his first Wimbledon title and capped off a remarkable season with another ATP Finals victory.
“Last year was undoubtedly a much tougher situation,” Sinner told reporters on Friday.
“At that point last year, I was uncertain about what the future held. I attempted to enjoy my time on the court, yet the weight of it all lingered in my mind.
“It was challenging for me, but also for my family,” he added. “I tried to surround myself with the people I truly care about, which sometimes worked remarkably well, but at other times was somewhat disappointing.”
A year later, the four-time Grand Slam champion has expressed that the experience has helped him mature, allowing him to tackle various challenges both on and off the court.
“It has made me even stronger as an individual,” he said. “The person I have become is much more mature, as I can see things differently when they aren’t going as planned.
“Any result on the court is just a bonus,” he stated. “I now experience the sport in a much more relaxed manner, giving everything I have. It’s about achieving balance.”
As the second seed, Sinner, who faces France’s Hugo Gaston in the opening round, is the favorite among bookmakers to secure a third consecutive title at Melbourne Park, just ahead of his main rival Carlos Alcaraz.
Both players claimed all the Grand Slam titles last season, and it would not be surprising if they meet again in the Melbourne final on February 1.
Sinner, who was defeated by six-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz in the last major final at the U.S. Open, left Flushing Meadows determined to diversify his game.
On Friday, he mentioned focusing on enhancing his physical endurance, experimenting with aspects of his serve, and improving his transition to the net.
The adjustments are not solely aimed at Alcaraz, he clarified.
“It’s not just about overcoming one opponent. It’s more about finding comfort in every situation. That’s what we aimed to achieve during the off-season,” he said.
