US Open 2024: Jannik Sinner opens up on TWO failed drugs tests amid allegations of special treatment after world No 1 AVOIDED ban over steroid

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has denied receiving special treatment and insists he has a clear conscience after avoiding a suspension earlier this year despite failing two drug tests.

The Italian has been in the spotlight just ahead of the US Open after it emerged that he tested positive twice for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol in March.

Some of Sinner’s fellow players reacted angrily to the news, saying that one rule applies to the best players in the world and another rule applies to everyone else.

The world No. 1 has split with his fitness coach and physiotherapist, the two men at the heart of the scandal. And on Friday he reiterated his innocence in New York, despite efforts by US Open organizers to avoid multiple questions on the subject.

“Of course I was worried because it was the first time for me, you know, and hopefully the last time I’m in this situation,” Sinner continued. “I believe I’m an honest player on and off the field… in my head I know I didn’t do anything wrong.”

It recently emerged that he tested positive twice for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol

Sinner insisted he will “always respect these anti-doping rules” and denied he was being treated as a special case. “Every player who tests positive has to go through the same process. There is no shortcut, there is no other treatment,” he said.

‘I know sometimes the frustration of other players, that’s obvious. But maybe because they’re suspended, they don’t know exactly where it comes from, not even what substance, but the main reason is where it comes from and how it got into his own system.’

A court accepted Sinner’s defence that the infection occurred during a massage by his physiotherapist, who, it was argued, used a spray – bought by Sinner’s fitness coach – to heal a cut.

“Now, because of these mistakes, I don’t feel confident about continuing. All I need now is clean air,” Sinner said.

“In my mind I know I didn’t do anything wrong,” Sinner said ahead of the US Open

The International Tennis Integrity Agency announced that while Sinner was stripped of 400 ranking points and $250,000, “no guilt or negligence” was found against him.

The 23-year-old first tested positive at the Indian Wells event on March 10, and again eight days later.

Sinner was provisionally suspended, but in both cases he successfully appealed and was allowed to continue playing while the court considered the evidence. However, after a lengthy closed-door investigation, the player’s reason for the extremely small amount of clostebol in his system – less than a billionth of a gram – was accepted.

“Anyone who knows me well knows that I have never done and will never do anything that goes against the rules,” he insisted.

‘I also know who my friends are and who aren’t, no, because my friends know I would never do that.’

Britain’s Dan Evans criticised the ‘amateurish’ ITIA for their handling of the ‘messy’ saga

Britain’s Dan Evans has been fiercely critical of the International Tennis Integrity Agency for its handling of the “messy” affair, calling the organisation “amateurish”.

Evans does believe Sinner was “lucky” with the speed at which his case was resolved. “That’s a fact,” he said, before attacking ITIA: “The way they’re doing their business is not right.”

The British star added: ‘To keep everyone in the dark is completely wrong. I think they are a set up organisation that is quite amateurish but they wear nice shirts and hang out with the players.

‘It’s frustrating for other players, that’s the main thing. I don’t think they’re doing much good for the sport, if I’m completely honest. They’re getting the guys who are 800 in the world for drugs and gambling… I think there’s a bigger problem. I’m not against Jannik, I don’t know the story, to be honest I don’t care.’