Jannik Sinner won the US Open despite facing challenges.
Fans were in disbelief when they heard about Sinner’s two positive tests for clostebol during the Indian Wells Open in March. The news was kept secret for five months while an investigation took place.
Sinner was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing, avoiding a ban but losing his ranking points and prize money from the tournament. This made his lead as world No. 1 slightly smaller.
| Name | Age | Points | Stats 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇹 Jannik Sinner | 23 | 15,405 | 33 - 3 |
Nick Kyrgios, known for his controversial behavior, argued that Sinner should have faced a two-year ban. Lindsay Davenport also questioned how he was allowed to continue playing during the investigation.
Sinner’s Triumph at Flushing Meadows:
Despite these criticisms, Sinner’s performance at Flushing Meadows was incredible. He beat Taylor Fritz in a one-sided final to win his first US Open and second major title after also winning the Australian Open earlier this year.
Many doubted Sinner could succeed in New York due to the stress of the doping case going public, but he proved them wrong . Fans might think that overcoming such pressure shows true champion spirit.
Toni Nadal praised Sinner’s mental strength and believed that knowing he didn’t intentionally take clostebol helped him stay focused. “In the week before the start of the competition we were wondering how the incessant controversy generated by his possible double doping could affect him, after the final and his magnificent performance, the Italian has shown once again that he not only has one of the best games on the circuit but also has the temperament to face really complicated situations. Surely the fact that he has a clear conscience has helped him to cope.”
Toni Nadal knows what mental toughness looks like from coaching Rafael Nadal, one of sports’ mentally strongest athletes ever.
Sinner still needs work to be as strong as Nadal was at his peak. But with this year’s improvements, he might reach that level someday.
He will likely compete with Carlos Alcaraz for big titles for years ahead. While Sinner dominated hardcourt Grand Slams this year, Alcaraz won on clay and grass at French Open and Wimbledon respectively.
Alcaraz currently holds four Grand Slam titles compared to Sinner’s two. Both are young with plenty of time for those numbers to change dramatically over time.
What do you think about their rivalry?
