Two-time US Open champion Jannik Sinner has shared his distress over the ongoing doping case that has cast a shadow over his career. The 23-year-old Italian, who tested positive for traces of the steroid clostebol in March, was initially cleared of wrongdoing by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) in August. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) recently appealed the decision, seeking a ban of up to two years.
Speaking in Beijing after his quarter-final win against Jiri Lehecka, Sinner expressed his frustration: “It’s a very delicate and difficult situation… But what I know is that I haven’t done anything wrong.” The positive tests were linked to his physiotherapist’s use of a spray to treat a cut, and despite the ITIA’s ruling of no fault, WADA has reignited the case.
Sinner admitted to having “sleepless nights” over the ordeal, adding, “This is a very difficult moment for me and also for my team.”
Sinner in Beijing, ranking, and results in 2024
Currently the world no.1, Jannik has managed to achieve a 58-5 match record in 2024. Jannik is currently having a run in Beijing where he managed to beat the world no.28 Nicolas Jarry 4-6 6-3 6-1, the world no.69 Roman Safiullin 3-6 6-2 6-3 and the world no.37 Jiri Lehecka 6-2 7-6(6).
Jannik Sinner will compete against the world no.96 Bu Yunchaokete in the semifinal on Tuesday at 7:00 pm on LOTUS. In the past, they have never played each other until now on the main tour.
The Italian has won 6 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Rotterdam, Miami, Halle, Cincinnati and U.S. Open.
Jannik won 17 titles in his career: 8 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts, 7 on indoor courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
He is also scheduled to play in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters). The main draw will start on the 28th of October.
Jannik Sinner |
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