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Jannik Sinner ‘could lose US Open title’ as details emerge after Taylor Fritz win

Vaseline September 9, 2024

Jannik Sinner could lose his US Open title, despite beating Taylor Fritz to win the second Grand Slam of his tennis career, according to reports.

The Italian won in three sets against his American opponent on Sunday and thus extended his title at the Australian Open, which he had already secured at the beginning of this year.

However, Sinner’s participation in the tournament was controversial as the 23-year-old tested positive for drugs twice earlier this year.

He was later acquitted of all wrongdoing by an independent court. He claimed that an anabolic steroid had entered his body through a massage from his physiotherapist.

Jannik Sinner could lose his US Open title despite beating Taylor Fritz and winning the second Grand Slam of his tennis career

REUTERS

Sinner has always denied that he has done anything wrong.

However, according to AP, his US Open title could still be “in jeopardy” if the World Anti-Doping Agency or Nado Italia, the Italian anti-doping agency, appeal the decision to acquit him.

Time is said to be running out for appeals to be filed in the case in which Sinner was acquitted.

Both bodies reportedly have just one day left to appeal the decision, which was announced by the International Tennis Integrity Agency on August 20.

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There is a 21-day period to appeal the decision. The procedure will start after all parties involved were notified last month.

Any appeal must be lodged with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Sinner, in turn, has provided detailed scientific evidence showing that his explanation for the failed drug tests is credible.

Both the tennis star and his team are confident the matter has been resolved, despite Nick Kyrgios being among his critics.

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Sinner claims the test results came about because his fitness trainer in Italy purchased an over-the-counter spray called Trofodermin that contains Clostebol.

The tennis star, who was forced to give 10 interviews to the ITIA, said his physiotherapist used the cream to treat a cut on his finger.

They then treated Sinner without gloves, after which the tennis star says he threw away two of his sneakers.

If Sinner loses his appeal to CAS, he could face a suspension of up to two years, instead of the usual four.

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Jannik Sinner was too strong for Taylor Fritz in the final of the US Open on Sunday evening

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Four-year bans are mostly given to athletes who cannot prove that their positive test was unintentional. However, Sinner has clear evidence to support his claim.

Meanwhile, the new US Open champion admitted last night that the recent ordeal was ‘still on his mind’ as he wrote his name into the history books.

However, he was happy to secure his second major.

“I’m happy how I handled it. I’m just happy to have this trophy with me,” he said. “It was and still is a little bit on my mind.

Jannik Sinner was emotional after winning the US Open on Sunday evening

REUTERS

“It’s not that it’s gone, but when I’m on the pitch I try to concentrate on the game and try to handle the situation as best I can.

“Of course, at times I found it very difficult to enjoy it.

“Also the way I behaved and walked on the court during certain tournaments was not the same as before. Those who know me better know that something was wrong.

“But during this tournament I slowly started to realize a little more who I am as a person.

“It certainly wasn’t easy, but I tried to stay focused. I think I did a really good job of that mentally, staying sharp in every point I play. That’s all.”