NEW YORK (AP) — Jannik Sinner fired his conditioning coach and physical therapist over two positive steroid tests in March and said at a news conference Friday before the U.S. Open that he knew he was innocent but was still concerned about the outcome of the case until he learned he would not be suspended.
“It’s been a very difficult time for me and my team,” Sinner said at Flushing Meadows, where last year’s Grand Slam is being held and where he arrives as the top seed. “It still is.”
The matches begin on Monday and Sinner is scheduled to play Tuesday against American Mackie McDonald, ranked 140th in the world. McDonald was included in the US Open draw following Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal earlier this month.
“It’s not ideal,” Sinner acknowledged with a small smile when asked about the news breaking this week.
He also considered the result “a relief.”
The 23-year-old Italian reached the ATP world number one ranking for the first time in June and is considered one of the leaders of the next group of male tennis players who could succeed the Great Trio confirmed by Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Nadal.
Sinner won her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January.
He is 48-5 with five titles in 2024, leading the Tour. He warmed up for the U.S. Open by winning the Cincinnati Open on Monday.
The next day, the International Tennis Integrity Agency announced that Sinner had failed two drug tests in March — one at Indian Wells and the other eight days later — but determined that the anabolic steroid Clostebol had entered his system unintentionally through a massage by his physical therapist, Giacomo Naldi.
Sinner’s defense was that his trainer Umberto Ferrara purchased an over-the-counter spray containing Clostebol in Italy and gave it to Naldi, who used it on a cut on his finger. Sinner said Naldi then massaged him.
Frances Tiafoe, whom Sinner beat in the Cincinnati final, was asked about the news on Friday.
“He’s an incredible player and you know, the governing body made a decision. They did it, he’s cleared to play. That’s all I have to say on that,” Tiafoe said. “I wish him the best at the US Open.”
