Jannik Sinner breaks silence on doping controversy: “I know I haven’t done anything wrong”

Finaly Jannik Sinner breaks silence on doping controversy and said : “I know I haven’t done anything wrong”

Jannik Sinner has at last spoken out regarding the doping controversy that has recently rocked the tennis world, firmly declaring his innocence. The Italian athlete stressed that he has consistently followed anti-doping regulations, expressing relief that the matter has been settled, despite the unfortunate timing right before a Grand Slam event.

Earlier this week, the tennis world was thrown into chaos when it was revealed that Jannik Sinner had tested positive for a banned steroid back in March. However, the ITIA (International Tennis Integrity Agency) determined it was a case of accidental exposure and imposed only a minor penalty on the World No. 1, affecting his ranking points and prize money.

This decision sparked controversy, as many felt that the 23-year-old had avoided a ban and that the ITIA had been too lenient in handling the situation. Amid the uproar, Sinner addressed all related questions during his pre-tournament press conference at the 2024 US Open.

The reigning Australian Open champion had been aware of the investigation for months and felt relieved that he no longer had to keep it hidden from the public.

With the issue no longer burdening him, Jannik Sinner expressed hope for a strong performance at Flushing Meadows, where he was eliminated in the fourth round last year.

“Of course it’s not ideal before a Grand Slam. But, you know, in my mind I know that I haven’t done anything wrong. I had to play already months with this in my head, but, you know, just remembering myself that I haven’t done really anything wrong. I always respect that these rules, and I always will respect these rules of anti-doping,” Jannik Sinner said.

“Yeah, just obviously a relief for myself having this result. And, yeah, so it’s just good to be back here. It’s an amazing city, amazing place to play tennis. I will just trying to enjoy as much as I can and hopefully having a good tournament,” he added.

“The preparation for this tournament has not been perfect” – Jannik Sinner on being distracted by the doping controversy at the US Open

During the press conference, Jannik Sinner addressed the impact the controversy has had on his mental health. He admitted that much of the situation was beyond his control but acknowledged that it had affected his preparation.

Despite the apparent bad luck, the World No. 1 didn’t seem overly concerned. Instead, he expressed relief that both he and his team were finally free from the ordeal.

“Look, it has been a very long process, no? I had to deal with this already for months. I think we all know for how long I’m talking about. Obviously I had to take now some decisions in base of the outcome. There are some dates you have to respect throughout this whole process, so you can’t really choose when it comes out or when it doesn’t come out,” Jannik Sinner said.

“In my mind, as I said before, you know, I’m just happy that it’s finally out, you know, because it’s one kind of relief also for me and my team, which is still here. Obviously because of that, the preparation for this tournament has not been perfect because, you know, of certain circumstances. Now it’s out and that’s it,” he added.

At the US Open, Sinner will begin his campaign facing Mackenzie McDonald, with the possibility of a high-stakes semifinal clash against Carlos Alcaraz on the horizon.