Jannik Sinner in conflict: Between jubilation and brooding

Jannik Sinner presented himself as a thoughtful US Open winner. With his index finger on his temple, the Italian spoke about the “difficult moments” due to the doping scandal at the Grand Slam in New York.

With a serious expression, the world number one tennis player also thought of his sick aunt and, three hours after the big title celebration, questioned life as a professional athlete.

“She is a very special person in my life,” said Sinner, dedicating his clear 6:3, 6:4, 7:5 final victory over the American Taylor Fritz to her. He does not know how long he will have his aunt in his life. Even when he was young, she drove him to ski races.

“If I had more time, I would spend more time with the people who really mean something to me. Unfortunately, things can happen in sport, but real life is something different.”

Of course, Sinner also provided the traditional images of a Grand Slam champion: a passionate kiss with girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya in the stands.

There was a hug from Sünder’s friend, star singer Seal. There was also a joyful jubilant pose with the silver cup in the confetti rain and in front of the Italian flag.

Doping whirlwind as a dark cloud

But Sünder did not really seem liberated, not only because of his concern for his aunt, but above all because of the affair surrounding his doping acquittal that hung over him like a dark cloud.

“It was a little bit in my head, and it still is,” the South Tyrolean admitted. “It hasn’t gone away.” In order to gain some distance, Sinner will not play for Italy in the Davis Cup, but will only start playing again in the tournaments in Asia.

Only shortly before the US Open it became public that Sinner had already tested positive twice for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol in March.

The world number one was able to continue playing, however, and was acquitted just days before the start of the US Open. His explanation that the banned substance had accidentally entered his body during a massage was considered conclusive.

Djokovic and Becker congratulate

Several opponents, such as 24-time Grand Slam tournament winner Novak Djokovic, called for unequal treatment compared to other players in similar cases in New York.

However, hardly anyone suspected that sinners might have actually done something forbidden. “Congratulazioni,” was how the Serbian Djokovic congratulated shortly after the match point via social media.

“Forza Jannik,” wrote legend Boris Becker to Sinner, praising the Italian’s “mental strength.” “After a few difficult months in which everything was at stake, your unwavering belief in the truth made the difference.”

Sinner also remained unperturbed in the final, dominating the overwhelmed Fritz in his first Grand Slam final. In the third set, the American regained hope with a break to make it 4:3, which also caused pop superstar Taylor Swift to jump up and down in celebration in the VIP box.

But Sinner kept his nerve and won his second Grand Slam title after the Australian Open in January. “Sinner conquers America,” was the headline in the “Gazzetta dello Sport.”

For the first time since 2022: Tennis’ big three without a Grand Slam title

For the first time since 2002, none of the so-called Big Three – Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and the already retired Roger Federer – won a Grand Slam title this season.

Instead, two trophies each went to Sinner and 21-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz. “It’s nice to see new champions, new rivalries,” said Sinner. “It’s good for the sport.”

With the double coup of the two young superstars, the tectonic shift in world tennis could be about to be completed. For Nadal, it is only a question of when he announces his retirement. Djokovic has achieved his greatest remaining goal with his Olympic triumph in Paris.

The next generation, which includes Alexander Zverev, who lost to Fritz, can therefore have greater hopes. “Perhaps it has become a little more open,” said Fritz about the chances at the big tournaments. “You don’t have to play incredibly well to get far in a tournament.”