Jannik Sinner will begin his bid to win the US Open next week in the wake of revelations that the 23-year-old, who is the men’s No 1-ranked tennis player, twice tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid in March.
It’s a case that no one knew about until Tuesday and one that has drawn all sorts of questions – and, in some instances, criticism – from other players who wonder whether there was a double standard at play because of Sinner’s success, are confused about why this was all kept under wraps, and want to know why Sinner was allowed to keep competing before there was a resolution.
“I will now put this challenging and deeply unfortunate period behind me,” Sinner said in a statement on social media. “I will continue to do everything I can to ensure I continue to comply with anti-doping [rules] and I have a team around me that are meticulous in their own compliance.”
Not everyone is completely ready to move forward. And it will be interesting to see how much scrutiny Sinner receives – from other athletes, spectators and the media – during the year’s last grand slam tournament, where he will be the top-seeded man.
“Different rules for different players,” 2021 Wimbledon semifinalist Denis Shapovalov wrote on social media.
Who is Jannik Sinner?
Sinner is a rising Italian star who moved up to No 1 in the ATP rankings for the first time in June and is considered one of the leaders of the next group of tennis players who will succeed Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, if the latter ever stops playing and winning.
Sinner’s first grand slam triumph came in January at the Australian Open, where he eliminated Djokovic in the semifinals before erasing a two-set deficit in the final to beat Daniil Medvedev. His most recent title came at the Cincinnati Open on Monday.
What is clostebol, the drug Sinner tested positive for?
Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin August 22, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin August 22, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Stop buying clothes now!
As fashion campaigners demand 'degrowth' for an industry responsible for 10 per cent of global pollution, Helen Coffey talks to designers and activists about how, with 100 billion garments made every year, we risk shopping till we drop
The inspiration at heart of Slot and Guardiola's rivalry
Liverpool and Man City bosses set to meet for the first time
Has Bethell's Test cricket baptism come too soon?
Jacob Bethell, 21, has been thrust into England side based on potential. Could the risk backfire, asks Cameron Ponsonby
Resurgent Arsenal thrash Hammers in giddy goal fest
Arsenal plundered another hatful of goals at West Ham as they climbed up to second in the Premier League with a frenetic 5-2 victory.
Defensive Lionesses cancel USA in tactical stalemate
Another night of learning for England and Sarina Wiegman, even if the only fireworks produced from the visit of Emma Hayes and the United States were those in the pre-match light show at Wembley.
Grandmother lost savings and her business after being wrongly charged with fraud
Krista Brown receives 'unreserved' apology after seven-year ordeal at hands of Crown Prosecution Service and HMRC
Indian women are being 'controlled' by forest drones
Researchers say wildlife cameras are used to harass them
Rebels seize control of Aleppo in blow to Assad
Thousands of opposition forces took control of Syria’s second city Aleppo and its airport in a shock assault that marked their largest advance and the biggest challenge facing Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in years.
Ukraine could use a Trump peace deal to buy some time
After Putin's brutal invasion of Ukraine, Western leaders repeated constantly that they would stand behind Kyiv \"as long as it takes\", first as Ukraine struck back, then as Russia counterattacked.
Zelensky's plan for peace a 'major concession' to Putin
UK's former ambassador to Russia praises Ukraine president