Jannik Sinner admits he has ‘lost his smile’ after the off-court issues despite success in 2024
Jannik Sinner could have even won his last ATP title before WADA's verdict on his ongoing doping scandal comes out.
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Jannik Sinner (via X)
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has built a reputation for being level-headed on the court. The Italian is known for his calm and composed demeanor, which has helped him achieve his best tennis season to date in 2024.
However, despite his calmness, Sinner has admitted that his off-court struggles have lessened the smile he once had. The multiple-time Grand Slam winner was referring to the pending verdict of his doping scandal.
I know this year has been very, very difficult for me because of other circumstances and at some points I lost my smile a little bit because I had some problems off the court that sometimes are still in my mind. So it’s never easy to play in those kinds of circumstances, but I try to enjoy it as best I can on the court. I try to stay very calm and not make trouble if I miss shots or if I’m unlucky.
Jannik Sinner said in his Shanghai post-match press conference
Sinner’s doping scandal came to light 24 hours after his Cincinnati Open win. The Italian had tested positive twice for a banned substance but avoided suspension from WADA and the PTPA. This led to widespread backlash from the tennis community, particularly from Nick Kyrgios.
I just try to keep pushing with the best energy I have that day. Every day is a little bit different, so I’m happy with how I handle situations on the court. I try to control what I can control, which is the mental and the physical aspect. But for the rest, you have to believe in it and try to stay calm, especially in the important moments of a match.
Jannik Sinner added
Last week, WADA announced they would reopen investigations into Sinner’s case. The organization stated they are prepared to impose a one or two-year ban on the World No. 1 for his doping violation. The verdict is still pending.
Novak Djokovic embraces comparisons with Jannik Sinner after Shanghai final loss
Jannik Sinner is having an outstanding 2024 season on the ATP Tour. Novak Djokovic, one of his top rivals, understands why. On Sunday (October 13), they faced off in the final of the Rolex Shanghai Masters. The former World No.1 put up a tough fight, especially in the first set, but Sinner stayed strong. The Italian won the set in a tie-break and then took control of the second set for a 7-6(4), 6-3 victory.
This was Sinner’s third straight win against Djokovic. After the match, the Serb was asked if he saw similarities between himself and the current World No.1. Even though he lost in straight sets, Djokovic spoke positively about his return to the Shanghai Masters. It was his first time competing there since 2019.
That’s something that reminds me of myself throughout my career, that’s what I’ve done for so many years consistently. Playing fast-paced tennis, taking away time from the opponent, kind of suffocating the opponent, in a certain way. You want your opponent to always feel under pressure from your shots, from your speed, from your presence on the court. So he’s got that. This year he’s been so consistent. It’s really, really impressive.
Novak Djokovic added
Djokovic’s run to the final helped him move up three spots in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, now sitting in sixth. This boosts his chances of qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals, a prestigious event at the end of the season.
If Djokovic had won in Shanghai, it would have been his 100th tour-level title, a feat achieved only by Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer. However, the 24-time Grand Slam champion shared that while it would have been nice to reach this milestone, it is not his main focus. He remains motivated by playing at the top level of the sport.
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Fahad Hamid
(647 Articles Published)