“In my mind, I know that I haven’t done anything wrong” – Sinner meets the press on US Open Media Day
The Italian also gave his views on why he was able to continue playing before the final ruling was made by the ITIA
Jannik Sinner, US Open 2023
Image Credit: Zuma / Panoramic
World No 1 Jannik Sinner met the media for the first time since the news of his positive result for a banned substance and subsequent clearance of any wrongdoing became public earlier this week. The Italian was part of Media Day in New York where the world’s top players have gathered for the US Open, which kicks off on Monday.
The majority of the press conference was related to questions surrounding the issue and Sinner answered all of the questions, giving his side for the first time since the news broke out.
“Look, it has been a very long process, no? I had to deal with this for months. I think we all know for how long I’m talking about,” the 2024 Australian Open champion said. “Obviously I had to take now some decisions based on 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. In my mind, I’m just happy that it’s finally out because it’s a 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 of certain circumstances. But, it’s out. It’s something what I was waiting for, waiting for the result. So now it’s out, and that’s it.”
Sinner re-iterated that he had done no wrong and is always one to respect the rules. “In my mind, I know that I haven’t done anything wrong. I had to play already months with this in my head, but 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. Just obviously a relief for myself having this result.”
“Every player who gets tested positive has to go through the same process” – Sinner
In recent days, many in tennis circles and on social media have questioned as to why Sinner was allowed to continue competing while the final decision on his case was awaited while other players, who had tested positive in the past were unable to do so. Sinner explained that he went through the same process, but his appeal against the provisional suspension was successful because he knew exactly where the banned substance came from and how it entered his system.
“Every player who gets tested positive has to go through the same process. There is no shortcut, there is no different treatment, they are all the same process. When they informed us that I was tested positive, the first thing we were trying to figure out, what substance it was. Because Umberto is the guy who knows really well this entire process, and whatever is in nutrition, and he has a very high degree of pharmacy and everything. So we asked him. He knew it straightaway that it was his spray. And knowing that it was the spray and knowing also how it all ended up into my system, we went straight back to them, and we explained everything how it happened, and that was the reason why I had the chance to keep playing. Obviously then after, in the background while I was playing, we had to figure out what would happen then in the future, but the reason why I could have played was because we knew where the substance was in and how it came into my body. This is very important, making this process, to letting them know, and they understood it straightaway. They believed in me and in us, and that’s why I could have played.”
I will just try to enjoy as much as I can and hopefully having a good tournament.
Jannik Sinner on the US Open which gets underway next week
“I understand sometimes the frustration of other players obviously. But maybe (the reason) they got suspended is they didn’t know exactly where it comes from, also what substance, but the main reason is where it comes from and how it entered in the system. We knew it straightaway, and we were aware of what happened. We went straightaway, and I was suspended for two, three days. I couldn’t practice and everything. But they accepted it very, very fast, and that’s why.”
Sinner also commented on his split with his physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi and physical trainer Umberto Ferrara, which was confirmed on Friday.
“First, I want to start with that they have been a huge part for my career. We worked together for two years. We did an incredible job, achieving a lot of success and then having a great team behind me. Now, because of these mistakes, I’m not feeling that confident to continue with them. I was struggling a lot in the last months. Now I was waiting for the result, and now I just need some clean air.”
The Italian will begin his campaign for a first US Open title against American Mackenzie McDonald on Tuesday and said he will try to keep his focus on the court and enjoy the tournament.
“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.”
