Tennis

U.S. Open: Jannik Sinner wins first match since doping case ruling

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4 months ago

August 27, 2024

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U.S. Open: Jannik Sinner wins first match since doping case ruling

NEW YORK — A week after the news that he had twice tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid, Jannik Sinner walked onto Arthur Ashe Stadium Tuesday and played like someone who had a lot on his mind.

For a set.

Sinner, the world No. 1, spent most of the first eight games against American Mackenzie McDonald struggling to hold his serve and to keep the ball on the court. McDonald surged to an early lead and had Sinner soaked in sweat and huffing between points, as the American cruised through the first set 6-2.

That was all.

Shaking off his early discomfort, Sinner allowed McDonald just three of the next 18 games to take control of the match. By the first games of the third set, McDonald was struggling to win points, and Sinner finished him off 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 in two and a half hours.

Tennis brings out a fairly polite crowd, even in the rustle of New York. It was unlikely that Sinner would endure much derision over the doping controversy that has rocked tennis — though he wasn’t exactly embraced with overwhelming adulation either.

Jannik Sinner has faced scrutiny since arriving in New York. (Jamie Squire / Getty Images)

An independent tribunal convened by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted Sinner’s explanation that his two positive tests for clostebol were caused by the actions of his physiotherapist and trainer. It found “no fault or negligence” on Sinner’s behalf, but stripped the Italian of his ranking points, prize money, and results from the BNP Paribas Open, where the first positive test was taken on March 10.

Once Sinner settled down Tuesday, he put on the sort of efficient and smothering display that has characterized his rise to the top of the sport, a varied arsenal of smooth power that, combined with his speed, leaves opponents hoping to catch him on an off day.

That’s exactly what McDonald did, until he didn’t.

(Top photo: Kena Betancur /AFP via Getty Images)