"Jannik Sinner's cleared to play, that's all that matters" - Frances Tiafoe shrugs off discourse about Italian's drugs controversy at US Open 2024

Frances Tiafoe has shrugged off the discourse around Jannik Sinner that is certain to take over the 2024 US Open this coming fortnight, stating that he would rather focus on himself. The American also extended his support to Sinner, on account of the ITIA (International Tennis Integrity Agency) giving the green light to the World No. 1 to continue playing on the tour.

Controversy has surrounded Sinner the last couple of days, with the revelation that he was found to have failed two drug tests earlier this year. Despite the presence of Clostebal, a steroid prohibited by WADA, the ITIA gave a clean chit to the Italian, arguing that it was an accidental exposure.

Since then, the tennis world has become divided over the issue. The likes of Nick Kyrgios and Denis Shapovalov have sided against the 23-year-old, while Andy Roddick is among the biggest names to extend support to Sinner.

As for Tiafoe, the 26-year-old has opted out of the discourse entirely, stating in his pre-tournament press conference at Flushing Meadows that he'll take the ITIA on their word that the No. 1 seed is "cleared to play."

"Obviously he's an incredible player, and, you know, government bodies made a decision, they went and did that. He's cleared to play. You know, that's pretty much what I have to say about it," Frances Tiafoe said.

"All the best to him in the US Open, and I'm just excited about me doing my thing at the Open," he added.

Frances Tiafoe further added that he has been "super busy" all week with his own preparation for the US Open, which prevented him from following the issue more intensely. Regardless, he wished Sinner all the best in New York for his campaign.

"Honestly, I haven't followed it much. I mean, I've been super busy this week myself just taking care of all of the stuff I've got to do. Yeah, I mean, a lot of people have spoken out and said things about it," Frances Tiafoe said.

"Again, as I said to him, government bodies do what they did. Obviously he's cleared to play and that's obviously all that matters. I'm just trying to focus on the US Open and, yeah, I finally had a great week in Cincinnati and that's all I'm really focused on," he added.

Interestingly, Tiafoe's most recent match came against Sinner in the final of the Cincinnati Open, where he fell in straight sets against the Italian.

Frances Tiafoe to open his US Open run against Aleksandar Kovacevic

Cincinnati Open 2024 - Day 8 - Source: Getty

At the press conference, Frances Tiafoe also opened up about how he feels there is difference in his tennis when he is more confident in himself, believing that he is capable of instilling 'fear' in his opponents when he plays like that.

The American highlighted how he involved the crowd in the game by playing with more 'passion' and 'energy' when he is more self-confident, to the extent that he becomes a completely different player.

"I think the one thing you see is a lot more joy and excitement when I'm playing when I'm really confident. The level of fear I instill in my opponent, for sure," Frances Tiafoe said.

"Yeah, I find I'm much more aggressive, much more sure of myself. I get the crowd into it, play with much more passion, energy, than when I'm not. I think it's two different Franceses, for sure, when I'm in that mode," he added.

At the 2024 US Open, Tiafoe will begin his campaign against compatriot Aleksandar Kovacevic.