Jannik Sinner is willing to privately speak with his peers about their reaction to his failed anti-doping tests after winning his opening match at the US Open.
The world No.1 got off to a rocky start against America’s Mackenzie McDonald before sealing a 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2, victory. Sinner was playing his first match since it was revealed that he failed two anti-doping tests earlier this year but was then cleared of any wrongdoing. He tested positive for the anabolic agent clostebol but was able to prove that the source of the substance came from a spray his former physio was using on his hands whilst treating him.
Sinner was able to continue playing on the Tour during the incident after successfully filing an appeal. It wasn’t until earlier this month that news of the failed tests was made public after a tribunal on the matter was held. Some critics have raised concerns about the fairness of the anti-doping process in tennis with Sinner’s case being resolved much quicker than other players. Novak Djokovic is among those calling for a review into the system. The Italian’s case was resolved quicker than others as he was able to establish the source of his contamination.
As for the public reception, the 23-year-old admits he is relieved to have a warm welcome from fans in New York.
“I was curious to see how the reaction of the fans has been, but it has been very positive,” he said after beating McDonald. “I was very glad how the support was, also playing against an American, it’s a little bit different.
“So I’m happy [with] how I handled those situations, it was not easy. I think a lot of positive things from today, and so let’s keep seeing what’s coming in the next round.”
However, Sinner finds himself in a somewhat different situation when speaking about players on the Tour and their reactions.
“There are some reactions from other players. I cannot really control what they think. You know, that’s how everything went and how it was. I cannot control the players’ reaction, and if I have something to say to someone, I go there privately, because I’m this kind of person. Overall, it has been not bad. So I’m happy about that.” He said.
The latest person to weigh in on the topic is former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev who began his 2024 campaign with a 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 1-6, win over Dusan Lajovic in the first round.
“I saw Taylor (Fritz) and I really like what he said. He said, ‘It’s only him (Sinner) who knows what happened exactly, so we can’t know,‘ Medvedev said. “Nobody can know the exact truth except him, his team and maybe the independent tribunal.”
“He knew what happened (the source of his failed test), and good for him, he managed to defend himself, When you don’tknow, you get suspended. That’s a little bit the tricky part, but that’s how doping rules are.”
Sinner will next play Alex Michelsen on Thursday.
