Sinner received a warm welcome, external from the crowd during his first training session at Flushing Meadows on Thursday.

Sinner spoke for the first time since the news broke on Monday, saying it was a “relief” that the investigation had been concluded.

When asked if he is concerned about his reputation, Sinner says: “I always believed that I continued playing tennis because I knew in my head that I had done nothing wrong.

“Anyone who knows me well knows that I have never done and would never do anything that goes against the rules.

“Here I also know who my friends are and who aren’t, because my friends know I would never do that.

“As far as reputation goes, we’ll see in the future, right? Because that’s not really in my control.”

When he tested positive, he was automatically given a provisional suspension, but after successfully appealing against this, he was allowed to continue playing.

Sinner won tournaments in Halle and Cincinnati and became world number one for the first time.

“Of course it’s not ideal for a Grand Slam, but I know in the back of my mind I didn’t do anything wrong,” he said.

“I’ve been playing with this in my head for months.

“I’m just happy that it’s finally out because it’s also kind of a relief for me and my team, that it’s still there.”

Some players have criticised the decision not to suspend Sinner when the positive tests were reported.

Sinner said he went through the same process as any other player, adding: “There is no quick fix, no other treatment.

“I know sometimes the frustration of other players of course. But maybe because they are suspended, they don’t know exactly where it comes from.

“We knew right away and knew what had happened.”

Australian Open champion Sinner begins his US Open campaign against American Mackenzie McDonald when the tournament starts on Monday.