Jannik Sinner made a successful start at the U.S. Open, securing a 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 win over Mackie McDonald in his first match since his recent doping case came to light.
The match took place at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where the crowd offered polite applause when Sinner was introduced. There were no visible signs or audible criticisms in the stands regarding his doping case, which had been kept under wraps for months.
Sinner, ranked No. 1, struggled in the first set, committing 14 unforced errors, including double faults and missed volleys, which allowed McDonald to take the opening set. However, Sinner quickly recovered, reducing his unforced errors to 15 over the next three sets, with none in the third set.
The doping case emerged last week when it was revealed that Sinner tested positive for trace amounts of Clostebol, an anabolic steroid, in two tests conducted in March.
The Italian player was penalized with the loss of prize money and ranking points from the tournament where the positive results occurred but avoided suspension after it was determined that the substance entered his system unintentionally through a massage from his physiotherapist. Sinner responded by firing the fitness trainer who purchased the spray containing Clostebol and the physiotherapist who applied it.
During a brief post-match interview on court, Sinner was not questioned about the doping case, which has drawn criticism from other players, including Novak Djokovic, regarding the handling of such cases.
Sinner’s next opponent will be Alex Michelsen, another American player. Sinner, who has had a strong season on hard courts with a 29-2 record and four titles, including his first Grand Slam win at the Australian Open, will aim to continue his form in the upcoming rounds.
