These are troubled times for World No.1 winner Jannik Sinner. At the US Open second round in New York, on Thursday, the Italian did not have much trouble in outhitting Alex Michelsen in straight sets. The real problem for Sinner is continuing to deal with the chatter around him, having failed two dope tests in March at the Indian Wells tournament.
It is well known, even before the season’s last Grand Slam began, Sinner was under scrutiny after he had flunked two dope tests for Clostebol. It had entered his body after he had been given a massage to relieve pain by his physio minus gloves. There were abrasions in Sinner’s skin and Clostebol did the damage, if one is to believe the ITIA (International Tennis Integrity Agency) report. It is also well known now, special treatment was given to Sinner as he was not placed under immediate suspension in March 2024.
But the bigger problem now for Sinner is how other players are treating him with suspicion and feel everyone is not getting a fair deal. Indeed, the first critic of Jannik Sinner, Nick Kyrgios may end up interviewing Sinner on court in the next few days as he works for ESPN at the US Open. The Aussie was first off the blocks when he joked about a banned substance entering the body from “a massage.” For his part, even on Thursday, Sinner has said he is ready to be interviewed by Kyrgios over the next 10 days if he stays in the tournament.
While watching Sinner defeat Michelsen, there was nothing to suggest all the talk of him being a “dope cheat” will affect him on the court. The bigger problem is dealing with a cold shoulder from other colleagues with whom he shares the locker room. It is well known, in tennis, the locker room is a space where players talk about the matches and other things as well. To be looked at with suspicion, Sinner has dealt with it well till now. But the treatment he got after winning his first match at the US Open was harsh. The number of fans who turned up to watch him were less. And to be booed, even after winning, was something which made Sinner sad.
For the Latest Sports News: Click Here
Canadian Denis Shapovalov honestly feels Sinner was saved because of his reputation and rankings and being a Grand Slam winner. At the mandatory press conferences as well, Sinner does feel the heat from the media. He has stayed calm, but when pressed, said: “I cannot really control what they think and what they talk. I cannot control the players’ reaction. But if I have something to say to someone, I go there privately, because I am this kind of person,” said Sinner. He has been trying to put up a brave face but it is not easy.
Compare this with what Novak Djokovic, the most well-behaved tennis superstar has faced in the last three years. People called him an anti-vaxxer and the treatment meted out to him at two Grand Slams in the past – Australian Open and US Open – was pathetic. Even when Djokovic returned after the pandemic, he has faced hostile fans in Melbourne, Paris and even London. There is no logic for fans at the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon to be harsh with Djokovic. He has learnt to accept it, though he did lose his cool at Wimbledon this July.
Sinner’s situation is different. Fans in New York are loud and boisterous, when compared with London. People talk of mental toughness, being inert to what happens outside. Sinner knows he has got a clean chit and will continue to play till such time as he is hauled up by the CAS – Court of Arbitration for Sports – in case the WADA (World Anti Doping Agency) decides to take up the case. He has won just two matches till now and is aware over the next 10 days, he will be subject to more harsh scrutiny.
Tennis-wise, Sinner has served well and hit a sufficient number of winners in two matches at the US Open 2024. How he will handle criticism from fans and colleagues in the locker room will be the acid test. As regards media scrutiny, Sinner has to be prepared for the worst, including an on-site interview from Kyrgios, if he is on duty for ESPN. And the worst part, Sinner cannot go and complain to anyone as he has been treated ‘specially’ after failing two dope tests for Clostebol.
Also Read: In Bhavna, lives the spirit to conquer