Jannik Sinner admits he “cannot control other players’ reaction” to the news of his doping saga at the US Open

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has admitted that he cannot control how other players react to his doping controversy.

Jannik Sinner admits he “cannot control other players’ reaction” to the news of his doping saga at the US Open

Jannik Sinner (Image via X)

Jannik Sinner has admitted that he cannot control other players’ reactions to his doping saga at the US Open. The Italian has been in the spotlight since the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) ruled that he wasn’t going to receive any suspension despite testing positive twice for a banned substance.

Days after Sinner won the Cincinnati Open, the ITIA revealed that he failed two anti-doping tests in March. It stated that an independent tribunal had investigated the doping case and cleared Sinner of any fault or negligence. The World No. 1 defended himself by stating that clostebol, a banned substance, had entered his system when his physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi massaged him with a spray containing it.

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However, the ITIA ruling has stirred up a lot reaction among tennis players past and and present about how the case was handled. Notable among was Nick Kyrgios, who recently declared that he wasn’t going to be as hospitable to the Italian in the locker room going forward.

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Following his victory in the first round of the US Open, Sinner revealed that cannot control how other players react to the issue.

Yeah, there are some reaction. You know, I cannot really control what they think and what they talk. 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. But, look, overall, it has been not bad. So I'm happy about that.
Jannik Sinner said (via US Open Press)

Sinner has won five titles this season, including two Masters 1000s and the Australian Open. He is seeking his second career Grand Slam and is among the top favorites to win the US Open.

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Jannik Sinner pleased with US Open crowd reaction during his first-round victory against Mackenzie McDonald

Jannik Sinner shook off an early scare to beat American Mackenzie McDonald in the first round of the US Open. He couldn’t control his game in the first set, striking fourteen unforced errors. However, he was able to find his rhythm in the beginning of the second set and grew into the match.

Jannik Sinner (via Getty Images)

The 23-year-old went on to beat the World No. 140 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 and reach the second round. After the win, he stated that he was delighted with fans’ reaction amidst his doping controversy.

I was very glad how the support was, also playing against an American, no, it's a little bit different. So I'm happy how I handled those situation, it was not easy. So I think a lot of positive things from today's day, and so let's keep seeing what's coming in the next round.
Jannik Sinner said (via US Open Press)

Sinner will face American Alex Michelsen in the second round. The Italian has gotten to the quarterfinals of every Grand Slam he has played this season and will be hoping to do the same at the US Open.

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