Jannik Sinner ‘looks broken’ as he faces his demons at the US Open
The storm around Jannik Sinner has barely subsided and amid the chaos, he took to Arthur Ashe Stadium for his first round match at the US Open.
World No 1 Sinner came through a strange opening match in New York as he was run ragged by American Mackenzie McDonald in the opening set, before he battled back to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2.
There was a curious atmosphere on the huge main court at the US Open, with American fans delighting in McDonald’s first set performance and appearing to be a little less than keen to cheer on Sinner after he hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons in the build-up to the final Grand Slam of 2024.
It was revealed last that Sinner tested positive for a banned substance twice in March but was absolved of fault or negligence by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
The ITIA accepted Sinner’s explanation that clostebol, an anabolic agent that can aid muscle growth, had accidentally entered his system via a product one of his team had used to treat a small wound.
The decision has been met with criticism in the tennis world, with some players surprised at the speed at which the case was heard, with leading tennis voices appearing to be united in their belief that Sinner was given different treatment to other players who have been in his position.
While Sinner has been cleared of the drug-taking charges that were weighing him down in recent months, the player we saw in the first round of the US Open did not look like he was playing with freedom after the tension was lifted from him.
Instead, he was downbeat as he concluded the match and gave flat answers in his on-court interview.
“We go day by day,” he said. “Tomorrow I have a day off where we try to get more rhythm and improve for the next match. I have room to improve. I’m looking forward for this one. Let’s see what I can do.”
He then offered brief thanks to the fans as he added: “It means a lot to me. The support is always amazing. Thanks everyone for coming and staying. Let’s see what’s coming in the next round.”
This did not look or sound like a man ready to win his first US Open.
In fact, it looked like a tennis player left broken by everything he has lived through over the last few days.
Sinner knew about his failed drug test in March and somehow, the story did not leak until he was clear of the charges last week.
Yet the tsunami of anger that has flowed in his direction since the announcement must have been hard to take on board.
Here is a player who has sailed through his career without controversy up to this point and suddenly he finds himself caught up in a storm that will leave a lasting mark on his reputation in the eyes of some.
Jannik Sinner News
Nick Kyrgios doubles down on Janink Sinner as failed drug test storm explodes again
2022 Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios has led the chorus of disapproval over how the verdict was reached in the Sinner case, with tennis legend John McEnroe also confused by the story.
“First of all, I think it takes too long for these things to be resolved,” began McEnroe, speaking at a Eurosport event.
“This happened in March and we are now in August. So it seems like it takes too long for everyone to find out.
“In Simona’s case, I don’t know what they found in her system and what they found in Jannik’s, but could easily see why she is upset, there is no question about that.
“Her story seemed to drag on for a couple of years and very much affected her career.
“It seems here (with Sinner) that at the moment, there’s going to be no suspension at all.
“I’m still trying to figure out what has happened. I’m not a doctor. They say there was a minute amount of whatever it was in his system. I don’t know at what point that means there is a lot of it, but let’s just say it’s unfortunate for all concerned.
“This has come out of the blue. I mean, it’s not like he looks like Hulk Hogan! It seems crazy.”
Sinner has to be drained by the endless stream of interviews he has taken part in explaining a story that has been believed by tennis authorities, but not necessarily all in the sport.
Amid this firestorm, preparing to play tennis matches in front of crowds who are confused by the barrage of information that has come at them surrounding Sinner and his failed drug tests must be challenging.
Sinner may also be troubled by his hip problem, but the bigger issue may be with his mindset.
Tennis coaches will often suggest the biggest space on a tennis court is between a player’s ears and Sinner looks like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders right now.
It is not a mindset that is likely to end with a player winning his first US Open a little over two weeks from now.
