Jannik Sinner admits what helped him stay focused at the US Open despite ongoing doping controversy

Jannik Sinner has thanked his team and those close to him for keeping him focused on playing well at the 2024 US Open amidst the controversial doping saga.

Jannik Sinner admits what helped him stay focused at the US Open despite ongoing doping controversy

Jannik Sinner (Image via X)

Ahead of the US Open, fans were worried about how Jannik Sinner would perform in the season’s final Grand Slam due to his doping saga. The Italian’s doping case stirred several debates in the tennis world. However, the 23-year-old has found a way to focus on his game and win matches in dominant fashion.

Sinner won the Cincinnati Open and came to New York as the most in-form player on the ATP Tour. However, days after winning the title in Ohio, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) revealed that he had tested positive twice for a banned substance. Sinner managed to avoid suspension and was just stripped of his Indian Wells ranking points and prize money.

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The judgment stirred up a lot of discussion among players past and present. However, Sinner has put everything aside and focused on his performances at the US Open. In his opening match against Mackenzie McDonald, the Italian lost the first set but found his rhythm and beat the American 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2. He then reached the quarterfinals on the back of three straight-set wins.

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On Wednesday (September 4), Sinner beat Daniil Medvedev to reach the semifinals of the US Open. After the victory, he revealed that his team and everyone close to him had helped him keep his focus on the sport.

I have my team and my people who are close to me. You know, they know me, they know I always stick with the people who know me and believe me. It's a very important part. And obviously, I'm very happy to have them, you know, coach-wise and also off the court. Yeah, obviously in the beginning was a bit, was a tough situation, but, you know, day by day it went better.
Jannik Sinner said at a US Open press conference

Sinner’s win over Medvedev was his 21st win at a Grand Slam this season. The Italian won the Australian Open and is seeking his second Grand Slam of the year, which would also help him seal his place as year-end ATP World No. 1.

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Jannik Sinner looking forward to a tough semifinal against ‘good friend’ Jack Draper at the US Open

Jannik Sinner survived Daniil Medvedev’s onslaught with a 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 6-4 win to reach the semifinals of the US Open. The 23-year-old became the first Italian man since Matteo Berrettini in 2019 to reach the semifinals in New York. He is set to face 25th seed Jack Draper for a place in the final.

Jannik Sinner, Jack Draper
Jannik Sinner, Jack Draper (Images via X)

Sinner, who is hoping to win his second Grand Slam title and first at the US Open, is aware of the challenges Draper poses. He stated that the Brit is a very good friend of his and that it will not be an easy ride for him.

We know each other very well, we are good friends off the court. It's going to be very tough - I'm just happy to be in the semis.
Jannik Sinner said (via BBC)

Sinner has faced Draper only once on the ATP Tour. The British star won their clash at the 2021 Queen’s Club Championships. The Italian was then ranked World No. 23 and Draper was the World No. 309. Now, at the prime of their careers, they are set to lock horns on one of the biggest stages in the sport.

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