Jannik Sinner concedes difficulties dealing with doping case controversy at start of US Open 2024 before reaching SF

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner shared how he struggled to navigate the doping case allegations in the initial days of the final Grand Slam of 2024. In March, Sinner tested positive for Clostebol, a banned substance, but was later cleared by ITIA, who judged that the violation was unintentional.

An independent tribunal convened by Sports Resolutions announced that the presence of Closbetol was unintentional and Jannik Sinner bore 'No Fault or Negligence'. Despite being cleared of doping allegations, Sinner received backlash from several sporting personalities, who claimed that the ruling was biased.

At the 2024 US Open, the Italian defeated Mackenzie McDonald, Alex Michelsen, Tommy Paul, and Australian Christopher O'Connell in straight sets. Following his win against Russian Daniil Medvedev 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 6-4, Jannik Sinner advanced to the semifinals in a bid to clinch his maiden US Open title.

Ahead of his semifinal clash against Jack Draper, Sinner opened up about struggling with the doping allegations in the initial days in Flushing Meadows but learning to navigate with his team's support.

"At the beginning everything was more difficult, until from a certain day everything was better," Sinner said (via Punto de Break) [translated from Spanish].

"I have my team and my people who are close to me, you know, they know me well, they know that I always take refuge in people who know me and believe in me. It is a very important part of the process, so I am happy to have them with me, both on and off the court," he added.

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Rafael Nadal backed Jannik Sinner amid doping controversies

French Open Tennis Tournament. Roland-Garros 2024. - Source: Getty

Following the ruling over Sinner's doping allegations, several former players and tennis enthusiasts criticized the ITIA, claiming that the decision was taken in the Italian's favor. However, Rafael Nadal expressed his belief in the decision-making bodies and said that Jannik Sinner would never intentionally dope. The 22-time Grand Slam champion told El Hormiguero (as quoted by "Reuters"):

"I have a virtue or a deficit, which is that in the end I usually believe in people's good faith. I know Sinner, I don't believe that Sinner has ever wanted to dope," Nadal said.

"I don't think we have to like it only when it is resolved in the way we think. In the end, justice is justice and I believe in justice. I believe in the bodies that have to make decisions and that really make them based on what they believe is right," he added. (via Reuters)

Jannik Sinner will take on Jack Draper in the semifinal on 7th September, en route to add another Major title after the 2024 Australian Open.