"I know who is my friend and who is not" - Jannik Sinner not concerned about his 'reputation' after being embroiled in doping controversy

Jannik Sinner broke his silence on the doping controversy, saying he is unfazed by concerns about his 'reputation' and is assured of his true friends. He has been cleared of any wrongdoing despite failing two drug tests this year.

Sinner tested positive for the banned substance Clostebol during the Indian Wells Masters in March and for a second time eight days later. He was provisionally suspended but successfully appealed the decision, allowing him to continue competing on tour.

The information was made public earlier this week when the International Tennis Integrity Agency and Sinner's team jointly revealed that the 23-year-old was found to be without fault or negligence for the substance in his system. The contamination was deemed accidental, caused by his former physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldy.

Jannik Sinner has now addressed the controversy during a pre-tournament press conference ahead of the US Open (August 26-September 8). When asked about his 'reputation,' the Italian said he isn’t worried about it since he hasn’t done anything wrong, adding:

"I haven't done anything wrong. I knew that I was very clean, and I knew that I was always very looking forward to be a fair player. Whoever knows me very well knows that I haven't done and I would never do something what goes against the rules."

"I also know who is my friend and who is not my friend, no, because my friends, they know that I would never do that, and sticking together," the World No. 1 continued.

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Jannik Sinner sacks physiotherapist and fitness coach amid doping saga

Jannik Sinner | Image Source: Getty

Jannik Sinner parted ways with his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, and fitness coach, Umberto Ferrara, both of whom were involved in his doping controversy on August 23.

Sinner addressed the situation during the same press conference, thanking Naldi and Ferrara for being a "huge part" of his success. However, he mentioned that the recent "mistakes" left him concerned about his future, leading to his decision.

"I want to start with that they have been a huge part for my career," the Italian said. "We worked together for two years. We made an incredible job, bringing a lot of success and then having a great team behind me. Now, because of these mistakes, I'm not feeling that confident to continue with them."

"The only thing I just need right now, just some clean air. You know, I was struggling a lot in the last months. Now I was waiting for the result, and now I just need some clean air," he added.

Sinner will kick off his US Open campaign on Tuesday, August 27, facing home favorite Mackenzie McDonald.