Jannik Sinner’s ATP fan favourite award leaves former star ‘little bit surprised’

Jannik Sinner speaking, with John Isner inset.
John Isner was a "little bit surprised" by Jannik Sinner winning the ATP Fans' Favourite award.

Former US tennis star John Isner admits to being a “little bit surprised” that Jannik Sinner won the ATP Fans’ Favourite Award in 2024.

World No 1 Sinner, the winner of the Australian and US Open titles this season, was crowned as the Fans’ Favourite for a second straight year, following a public vote.

Alongside his major success in 2024, the 23-year-old was a winner of eight ATP titles this season and guided Italy to a second consecutive Davis Cup title.

“I just wanted to thank all the fans around the world for voting for me,” said Sinner at the time. “It means so much to me because the votes are coming from all of you, so it means even more.

“You are the reason why I love to play tennis. This support has been amazing throughout this whole season, so thank you so much again.”

Recognition for Sinner came despite the doping scandal the Italian found himself embroiled in across the second half of 2024.

It was revealed in August that the world No 1 had twice tested positive for banned steroid clostebol in March 2024, including a failed test during his Indian Wells campaign.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) found Sinner to be of “no fault” in August and did not suspend the Italian, allowing him to remain on tour.

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However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has announced an appeal to the ITIA’s ruling, and the 23-year-old could face further punishment in 2025.

Reaction to Sinner’s case has proven to be divisive among not only fellow players but also among tennis fans.

Speaking on his podcast Nothing Major, former world No 8 Isner admitted he was “surprised” Sinner had won the Fans’ Favourite award despite the fallout from his case.

“I am a little bit surprised,” said Isner.

“Because you know he was, it wasn’t of course his personality but his 2024 was a bit polarising because I know some stuff went with him and went on with that positive test that he was cleared of.

“So a lot of people were, you know, not fans of that – Nick Kyrgios being one of them. So I thought maybe that could’ve hurt him a little bit in this as far as fan favourite goes but it didn’t, and kudos to him.”

The outcome of WADA’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) concerning Sinner’s case is expected to be announced in 2025, most likely in the opening months of the year.

World No 1 Sinner could potentially be banned for up to two years should CAS rule in WADA’s favour.

The Italian is set to start his 2025 season at the Australian Open, where he will look to defend his title.

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