Jannik Sinner looks thoughtful. © APA / MATTHEW STOCKMAN

Sinner in conflict: between joy and brooding

Jannik Sinner presented himself as a thoughtful US Open winner. With his index finger on his temple, the South Tyrolean spoke about the "difficult moments" due to the doping scandal at the Grand Slam in New York.

September 09, 2024

From: dpa/dl

With a serious expression, the number one in world tennis also thought about his sick aunt and questioned life as a professional athlete three hours after the big title celebration. "She is a very special person in my life," said Sinner, dedicating the clear 6:3, 6:4, 7:5 final victory over the American Taylor Fritz to her.

He doesn't know how much longer his aunt will be in his life. When he was young, she drove him to ski races. "If I had more time, I would spend more time with the people who really mean something to me. Unfortunately, things can happen in sport, but real life is different."

Doping whirlwind as a dark cloud

Of course, Sinner also provided the traditional images of a Grand Slam champion: intimate kiss with girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya in the stands. There was a hug from Sinner's friend, star singer Seal. There was also a joyful jubilant pose with a silver trophy in the confetti rain and in front of the Italian flag.

"It's still in my head and hasn't gone away." Jannik Sinner on the doping scandal

But Sinner did not seem to be really liberated, not only because of his concern for his aunt, but above all because of the dark cloud hanging over him from the affair surrounding his doping acquittal. "It was a little bit in my head, and it still is," the man from Sexten admitted. "It hasn't gone away." In order to gain some distance, Sinner will not play for Italy in the Davis Cup, but will only start playing again in tournaments in Asia.

It was only shortly before the US Open that it became public that Sinner had tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol twice in March. The world number one was allowed to continue playing, but was acquitted a few days before the start of the US Open. His explanation that the banned substance had accidentally entered his body during a massage was considered conclusive.

Djokovic and Becker congratulate

Several opponents, such as the 24-time Grand Slam tournament winner Novak Djokovic, denounced unequal treatment compared to other players in similar cases in New York. However, hardly anyone suspected that Sinner might have actually done something forbidden. "Congratulazioni," was how the Serbian congratulated Djokovic shortly after the match point on social media.

Sinner with his coaches Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill (right). © APA / MATTHEW STOCKMAN

“Forza Jannik,” wrote legend Boris Becker to Sinner, praising the South Tyrolean’s “mental strength.” “After a few difficult months in which everything was at stake, your unshakable belief in the truth made the difference.”

Sinner was also unperturbed in the final, dominating the overwhelmed Fritz in his first Grand Slam final. In the third set, the American regained hope with a break to 4:3, so that pop superstar Taylor Swift also jumped up and down in the VIP box in celebration. But Sinner held his nerve and won his second Grand Slam title after the Australian Open in January. "Sinner conquers America," was the headline in the Sports Gazette.

New situation in tennis

For the first time since 2002, none of the so-called Big Three - Novak Djokovic (37), Rafael Nadal (38) and the already retired Roger Federer (43) - won a Grand Slam title this season. Instead, two trophies each went to Sinner and the 21-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz. "It's nice to see new champions, new rivalries," said Sinner. "It's good for the sport."

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are considered the heirs to the throne of the Big 3. © APA / CLIVE BRUNSKILL

With the double coup of the two young superstars, the tectonic shift in world tennis could be about to be completed. For Nadal, it is only a question of when he announces his retirement. Djokovic has achieved his greatest remaining goal with his Olympic triumph in Paris.

The next generation, which includes Alexander Zverev, who lost to Fritz, can therefore have greater hopes. "Perhaps it has become a little more open," said Fritz about the chances at the big tournaments. "You don't have to play incredibly well to get far in a tournament."