World number one Jannik Sinner expressed his gratitude to fans for their support amid a doping controversy at the US Open. Sinner recently overcame a rocky start to secure a victory over Mackenzie McDonald in the first round. The 23-year-old Australian Open champion has been under scrutiny after testing positive for an anabolic agent in March. However, he denies any wrongdoing and has continued to play after challenging provisional suspensions.
In a post-match press conference, Sinner mentioned that the fan response has been positive, which has helped him deal with the situation. Despite concerns from other players about potential preferential treatment, Sinner has received widespread support from his supporters. Players like Daniil Medvedev have expressed hope that anti-doping rules are applied consistently for all players, emphasizing the importance of fair treatment in such cases.
Medvedev highlighted the ambiguity of anti-doping regulations and the need for transparency in cases like Sinner’s. The Russian player also pointed out the challenges faced by athletes who unknowingly come in contact with banned substances. However, Sinner was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing by a tribunal that accepted his explanation of accidental contamination by his physio. This resolution has been seen as a positive outcome for Sinner and his team.
Despite the mixed reactions among players, Sinner remains focused on his upcoming matches and states that he cannot control how others perceive the situation. He emphasized that he prefers to address any concerns privately and has been satisfied with the overall support he has received. As he prepares to face Alex Michelsen in the second round, Sinner is determined to stay focused on his game and continue to perform at his best despite the challenges he has faced.
