Sinner breaks his silence: “I know I haven’t done anything wrong”

All eyes in New York are on Jannik Sinner, who is in the eye of the storm after his double positive test for clostebol was revealed this week, for which he has since been cleared of all blame.

The Italian, number one in the ATP rankings, appeared on Friday after training and spoke to the media for the first time since the bombshell news, and took the opportunity to explain his innocence. “I know I haven’t done anything wrong,” Sinner said in front of a packed house in the Big Apple during the media day prior to the start of the US Open.

Sinner insists he always respects the rules

“This is not ideal before a Grand Slam. But, in my head, I know I haven’t done anything wrong. I’ve had to play for several months with this in my mind, but reminding myself that I haven’t really done anything wrong. I always respect the rules, and I will always respect the anti-doping rules. It’s obviously a relief for me that this is the result, and it feels good to be back in this amazing city. I’ll try to enjoy it as much as I can and hopefully have a good tournament,” Sinner began.

Following his reply, the ATP moderator tried to put an end to the matter (“we won’t dwell on this subject any further, if there are questions about another aspect…”), but logically the Italian was again questioned about his double positive test at Indian Wells.

Sinner’s parts ways with coaching team

“It’s been a very long process, I’ve had to deal with this for months. We all know the time I’m talking about (the double positive test occurred in March). Obviously I’ve had to make some decisions based on the resolution. There are dates that you have to respect throughout the process, so you can’t choose when it comes to light.

“In my head, as I’ve already said, I’m happy that this has come out, it’s a relief for me and my team. The preparation for the tournament has not been perfect due to certain circumstances. But it’s out now. It’s something I was waiting for, the result, and it’s out now and that’s it,” Sinner added when asked about how he handled the case in secret.

Regarding those decisions, Jannik himself confirmed that he is no longer working with his fitness coach, Umberto Ferrara, and his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, the two main people responsible after the investigation by the ITIA and the independent panel of experts.

“They have been a very important part of my career. We have worked together for two years, we have done an incredible job, with great success and having a great team behind me. Now, because of those mistakes, I don’t feel confident to continue with them. The only thing I need right now is fresh air. I have had a very bad time these last few months. I already have the result and now I need fresh air,” the Italian concluded.