Jannik Sinner’s return to the U.S. Open after his doping case was met with a mix of applause and silence from the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Despite the controversy, Sinner emerged victorious in his first-round match against Mackie McDonald, winning 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2.
Sinner’s victory came after a slow start, where he made numerous unforced errors. However, he quickly regained his composure, making only 15 unforced errors over the last three sets. His improved play is a testament to his resilience and determination.
In his post-match interview, Sinner expressed gratitude for the support he has received from fans and fellow players. He also addressed the criticism surrounding his case, stating that he cannot control the opinions of others.
Sinner’s positive test for Clostebol, an anabolic steroid, was announced last week. He was docked prize money and ranking points from the tournament where the first result appeared but escaped a suspension due to the unintentional nature of the drug’s entry into his system.
The handling of Sinner’s case has drawn criticism from some players, including Novak Djokovic, who questioned the fairness of the process. However, Sinner has maintained that he is not at fault and has taken steps to prevent a similar incident from occurring in the future.
Sinner’s victory over McDonald sets up a second-round clash with another American, Alex Michelsen. Sinner will be looking to continue his strong form on hard courts, where he has won four titles this season, including the Australian Open.
