Jannik Sinner, now a two-time Grand Slam champion after his US Open victory, admitted the doping controversy that overshadowed his season had been a significant mental challenge.
The 23-year-old Italian tested positive twice for banned substances in March but was cleared by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), which accepted that the anabolic agent clostebol had entered his system accidentally through a product used by a team member.
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Although he avoided suspension, some in the tennis community felt he had been fortunate, with figures like Nick Kyrgios questioning the decision.
Despite the lingering doubts, Sinner focused on his game, defeating Taylor Fritz in the US Open final and adding this title to his earlier Australian Open triumph.
“I’m happy with how I handled it and excited to have this trophy with me,” Sinner said.
He acknowledged that the controversy was still on his mind but tried to stay mentally strong during the tournament.
“It’s not completely gone, but I focus on the game… whoever knows me well could see something was wrong earlier in the season, but slowly I started feeling more like myself.”
Sinner expressed pride in how he and his team navigated the difficult period. While there was some criticism, he felt supported by most players.
“The general reaction was quite positive… but in any profession, you’ll have different opinions. My team and I are proud of this achievement,” he said.
Now, with his second major title in hand, Sinner looks forward to moving past the controversy and focusing on his future in tennis.
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