Jannik Sinner breaks silence on doping controversy: "I know I haven't done anything wrong"

Jannik Sinner has finally broken his silence on the doping controversy that has taken over the tennis world in the last few days, professing his innocence. The Italian emphasized that he has always adhered to the rules laid down against doping, adding that it felt good to see the matter resolved once and for all, even if it was not ideal to face such an issue just ahead of a Grand Slam.

Earlier this week, all hell broke loose when it came to light that Sinner had tested positive for a banned steroid substance back in March. However, the ITIA ruled it an accidental exposure, and let the World No. 1 off with just a minor ranking point penalty and a prize money penalty.

The decision did not go down well with many, who felt the 23-year-old escaped a ban and that the ITIA (International Tennis Integrity Agency) had been too lenient in its treatment of Sinner. In light of all this, the No. 1 seed answered all questions about the subject in his pre-tournament presser at the 2024 US Open.

The reigning Australian Open champion had known about the investigation for months and felt relieved once he no longer had to keep it a secret from the public.

With it no longer weighing on his mind, Jannik Sinner hopes to have a good outing at Flushing Meadows, where he had gone out in the fourth round last year.

"Of course it's not ideal before a Grand Slam. But, you know, in my mind I know that I haven't done anything wrong. I had to play already months with this in my head, but, you know, just remembering myself that I haven't done really anything wrong. I always respect that these rules, and I always will respect these rules of anti-doping," Jannik Sinner said.

"Yeah, just obviously a relief for myself having this result. And, yeah, so it's just good to be back here. It's an amazing city, amazing place to play tennis. I will just trying to enjoy as much as I can and hopefully having a good tournament," he added.

"The preparation for this tournament has not been perfect" - Jannik Sinner on being distracted by the doping controversy at the US Open

2024 French Open - Day 10 - Source: Getty

At the press conference, Jannik Sinner touched upon how his mental health has been affected because of the controversy surrounding him. He acknowledged that it was out of his control for the most part, but made note that his preparation has been affected because of it.

Regardless, the World No. 1 did not appear concerned about the seeming bad fortune and was only happy for himself and his team to be finally free of the situation.

"Look, it has been a very long process, no? I had to deal with this already for months. I think we all know for how long I'm talking about. Obviously I had to take now some decisions in base of the outcome. There are some dates you have to respect throughout this whole process, so you can't really choose when it comes out or when it doesn't come out," Jannik Sinner said.

"In my mind, as I said before, you know, I'm just happy that it's finally out, you know, because it's one kind of relief also for me and my team, which is still here. Obviously because of that, the preparation for this tournament has not been perfect because, you know, of certain circumstances. Now it's out and that's it," he added.

At the US Open, Sinner will start his campaign against Mackenzie McDonald, with a potential semifinal blockbuster with Carlos Alcaraz looming ahead.