World number one Jannik Sinner has addressed the ongoing doping controversy that has cast a shadow over his US Open campaign.
The 23-year-old Italian expressed his gratitude to fans for their unwavering support during this challenging time. Sinner’s comments came after his first-round victory against American Mackenzie McDonald, where he overcame a shaky start to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 and secure his place in the second round.
The controversy began in March when the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced that Sinner had tested positive twice for an anabolic agent. Despite these allegations, Sinner has maintained his innocence, successfully challenging provisional suspensions and continuing to compete. Speaking to reporters after his match, Sinner shared his relief at the positive response from fans, noting that their support has been a source of comfort.
“The response from fans has been great, even when the news came out. During practice sessions, there was a lot of support, which I’m very glad and happy about,” Sinner said. He acknowledged that dealing with the situation has not been easy, but emphasized the importance of taking things day by day. “I was curious to see how the reaction of the fans would be, but it has been very positive. I was very glad about the support, especially considering I was playing against an American.”
However, the ITIA’s announcement has sparked mixed reactions among Sinner’s fellow players, with some questioning whether the Italian has received preferential treatment. Daniil Medvedev, the fifth seed, expressed concerns about the clarity of anti-doping rules and the need for consistent application across the sport. Medvedev referenced fellow player Taylor Fritz, who had commented that only Sinner knows the full truth of the situation. “Nobody can know the exact truth except him, his team, and maybe the independent tribunal,” Medvedev noted.
Good to be back @usopen pic.twitter.com/1BG8Hxi99C
— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) August 27, 2024
Medvedev also pointed out that players are typically provisionally suspended when they are unable to explain how a banned substance entered their system, even if they are ultimately found innocent. In Sinner’s case, he was cleared of fault or negligence after a tribunal accepted his explanation that he had been inadvertently contaminated by his physio.
“Good for him, he managed to defend himself,” Medvedev said of Sinner. “When you don’t know, you get suspended. That’s a little bit the tricky part, but that’s how doping rules are.”
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Sinner, who is set to face American Alex Michelsen in the second round, reiterated that he cannot control how other players react to the controversy. “There are some reactions. I cannot really control what they think and what they talk. That’s how everything went and how it was; I already talked about it,” Sinner said. He emphasized his preference for addressing issues privately, stating, “If I have something to say to someone, I go there privately because I’m this kind of person. But overall, it has been not bad. I’m happy about that.”
As Sinner continues his campaign at the US Open, the controversy remains a significant backdrop to his efforts on the court.
