Jannik Sinner is striving to regain his focus at the US Open after a tumultuous period marked by the announcement of his positive doping test and subsequent acquittal by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The Italian tennis star trained at Flushing Meadows alongside fellow countryman Lorenzo Musetti, perhaps seeking solace in the presence of a friend during this challenging time.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Sinner acknowledged that it wasn’t the ideal lead-up to a Grand Slam, but expressed relief at being cleared of any wrongdoing. “It’s been a long process, and I’ve had to deal with it for months. I’m glad it’s over, and I’ll do my best in this tournament,” Sinner stated. He also spoke about the support from his coaches, Darren Cahill and Simone Vagnozzi, who have been instrumental in keeping his spirits up. However, the scandal has led to the departure of his trainer, Umberto Ferrara, and physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, after it was revealed that they unintentionally exposed Sinner to the banned substance Clostebol.
The decision to part ways with Ferrara and Naldi was largely inevitable, given the rules set by the tennis anti-doping authorities. Sinner’s focus now is on the court, as he prepares for what could be the most important tournament of his year. Despite the heavy scrutiny from media and peers alike, Sinner remains determined to prove himself and leave the Clostebol controversy behind, one match at a time.
