Italy’s Jannik Sinner returns a shot to America’s Mackenzie McDonald during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
World number one Jannik Sinner claims the fan reaction to his doping controversy has been “positive” but intends to confront critics directly in the dressing room rather than join a public barrage.
Sinner returned to the court for the first time since it was revealed she had failed two drug tests, losing one set to beat Mackenzie McDonald at the U.S. Open.
The Italian Sinner won 18 of the final 22 games in a 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 victory over his world number 140 opponent at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Read: Jannik Sinner fires two team members after testing positive for steroids
The 23-year-old’s return comes just a week after news broke in March that he had failed two doping tests.
However, he avoided a lengthy ban from the sport after authorities determined he was not responsible for the presence of the banned anabolic steroid clostebol.
Sinner claimed the drugs entered the players’ bodies when physiotherapists used a drug-containing spray to treat their cuts and then performed massages and sports therapy on them.
Australian Open champion Sinner then fired his physiotherapist Giacomo Nardi and trainer Umberto Ferrara, who provided Nardi with the spray, saying he had lost confidence in them.
“I think the reaction from the fans has been fantastic, there was a lot of support when the news was announced and also during the training sessions,” Sinner said.
Read: Why wasn’t Jannik Sinner banned? What do other players think?
“It’s still not a bit easy. We have to take it one day at a time.”
However, some players have expressed concern about the International Tennis Integrity Authority’s decision to clear Sinner of any wrongdoing.
Australia’s Nick Kyrgios said in a post on X that it was “ridiculous” that there was no suspension.
Canadian player Denis Shapovalov said the decision proved “there are different rules for different players” and suggested Sinner had been saved by his ranking and status as a Grand Slam winner.
“I can’t control what they think or what they say. I can’t control how the players react,” Sinner said.
“But if anyone has something to say, I’ll be there personally, because that’s the kind of person I am.”
Tuesday’s win was Sinner’s first at fairgrounds Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“The support has been amazing and I’m excited to see what happens,” added Sinner, who endured a tumultuous relationship at the U.S. Open.
Twelve months ago he lost in five sets to Alexander Zverev in the last 16 and in 2022 he was knocked out by eventual winner Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set quarter-final that finished just before 3am.
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Sinner will face American Alex Mikkelsen for a place in the third round.
