"There are a lot of zeroes before coming up a 1" - Jannik Sinner opens up about his doping tests and being "worried" during the ordeal
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner gave an extensive account of his doping scandal ahead of the 2024 US Open. The Italian said he hoped to learn from the mishap and move forward with a clear mind to play his best at the year's last Grand Slam.
On August 20, Sinner was revealed to have tested positive for Clostebol, a banned steroid, in two separate urine samples in March. The ITIA released a report of its investigation and ruled that he was unintentionally exposed to the substance by his physician. Sinner avoided a ban and was handed minor ranking points and prize-money penalties.
The incident created a storm of controversy in the tennis world, and the Italian addressed a variety of questions surrounding his accidental doping during the pre-tournament press conference at the 2024 US Open. Sinner revealed that he was worried throughout the ordeal as it was the first time he was under investigation for doping and hoped that it was the last time.
The Italian stressed that the amount of Clostebol found in his body was negligible and added that he strives to be a fair person on and off the court.
"Of course I was worried, because it was the first time for me, you know, and hopefully the last time that I am in this situation, position. There also a different part we have to see is the amount I had in my body, which is 0.000000001, so there are a lot of zeroes before coming up a 1," Jannik Sinner said.
He continued, "So I was worried, of course, because I'm always the player who was working very, very carefully in this. I believe I'm a fair player on and off the court. And yeah, that's a bit how it all was and how it went."
Jannik Sinner makes changes to his team after doping scandal
Jannik Sinner has overhauled his team after the recent doping saga, parting ways with fitness coach Umberto Ferrara and physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi. The duo was responsible for Clostebol entering the Italian's body and, in turn, testing positive for doping.
Sinner has previously explained that Naldi used Trofodermin spray containing Clostebol to treat a wound on his finger. He passed on the substance to Sinner via bare-handed massage and physical therapy during the 2024 Indian Wells Masters. Ferrara had brought the spray and recommended it to Naldi to treat his wound.
During his pre-tournament press conference, Sinner addressed the departure of Naldi and Ferrara from his team. The 23-year-old praised the duo for their contribution to his success over the last two years but acknowledged losing confidence in them after recent events:
"I want to start with that they have been a huge part for my career. We worked together for two years. We made an incredible job, bringing a lot of success and then having a great team behind me. Now, because of these mistakes, I'm not feeling that confident to continue with them. The only thing I just need right now, just some clean air," Sinner said.
The Italian is the top seed at the 2024 US Open. He will be on the hunt for his second Grand Slam title, after the 2024 Australian Open, in New York and begin his campaign against Mackenzie McDonald on Tuesday, August 27.