Jannik Sinner at the press conference in New York. © APA / JAMIE SQUIRE

Jannik Sinner: “I did nothing wrong”

After the doping scandal surrounding Jannik Sinner, the South Tyrolean appeared before the press on Friday. Read what the world number 1 said about the case here.

August 23, 2024

From: do

It was probably the most difficult press conference in Jannik Sinner's young career. The South Tyrolean answered questions from journalists at the US Open in New York on Friday evening. Unsurprisingly, the main topic was the doping scandal surrounding the world number 1. It was the first time that the Sextner commented on the bombshell he dropped on social media three days ago.

Despite the bitter aftertaste, Sinner faced this hurdle as usual during the mandatory exchange between player and media: calm, determined and composed. The South Tyrolean explained that he was convinced of his innocence and that he was right to play for another Grand Slam title in New York: "It's not the best approach to a Grand Slam, but I didn't do anything wrong and that gives me strength."

Sinner completed a training session with Lorenzo Musetti before the press conference. © APA / JAMIE SQUIRE

Sinner emphasized his clear conscience: "People know who I am, my fans know. Those who know me know that I have never broken the rules and would never do anything illegal. In those moments, so many people stood by me and I realized that I had friends. Of course, I was worried, it was a difficult time for me and my team and it still is."

“I understand the frustration or the thoughts of the players who were suspended and had to wait for their verdict. Jannik Sinner

Let us hope that the South Tyrolean will distance himself from the doping turmoil and the Comments from his colleagues did not let it throw them off track: "I understand the frustration or the thoughts of the players who were suspended and had to wait for their verdict. But perhaps, unlike us, they did not know how the substance got into their bodies, which slowed everything down, while we understood the problem immediately."

Despite the distraction, the South Tyrolean is one of the narrow circle of favorites. © APA / JAMIE SQUIRE

It should be remembered that this was not a new issue for Sinner. The tournament in Indian Wells took place in March, which meant that he had been struggling with this specter for almost half a year: "I played with this burden in my head and it went well, but if I get rid of this thought, I can only feel better and play the tournament at my best."

"They were important for my development and for the team, but because of this mistake I no longer trust them. Jannik Sinner

Despite the acquittal, there were consequences for the 23-year-old. The 400 ATP points he received for reaching the semi-finals in Indian Wells were deleted. In addition, shortly before the press conference, the tennis star's camp announced that that physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi and athletic trainer Umberto Ferrara will no longer be part of the teamA difficult step that Sinner felt compelled to take: "They were important for my development and for the team, but because of this mistake I no longer trust them. I think that a new wind needs to blow within the team."