Jannik Sinner said he wants to keep the “challenging and deeply unfortunate period” aside. However, sadly for him, the doping saga still keeps on haunting him even a few hours before stepping onto the court at the US Open. Sinner is set to face America’s Mackenzie McDonald in the first round. Before starting his campaign over there, he appeared in some pre-tournament interviews and there were no surprises in people having more curiosity over the controversy than the match itself. During one such interview, he recalled those dark moments in his life once again!

Those who have watched Sinner closely at that time could well relate to the fact that he looked a bit different on the court. During an interview, he revealed how those off-court incidents impacted him physically. According to Jannik Sinner, it had impacted him a lot because he was ill. He claimed he wasn’t at all feeling energetic at that time on the courts. “I think you saw this during Wimbledon. For example, there were sleepless nights, because thinking of this.”

He further added, “There were physical issues and maybe because of that, you know. The first issue came because of the hip in Monaco, you know, exactly when it came out. So there have been some very tough moments throughout the whole process.” Jannik Sinner said he felt a bit “different” on the courts and he was not happy. He said he was not himself on the court at that time.

However, with the US Open knocking at the doors, he hopes he can “turn pages.” Although he admitted this thing will take time to get completely erased from his mind, all he wants now is to be happy after being back on the court. Sinner wants to enjoy the game and share great moments with the crowd at the US Open. The ones who saw Sinner from a closer distance during that time took notes!

“I saw something different in his eyes” – Jannik Sinner’s compatriot noticed something abnormal in him

Jannik Sinner testing positive for a banned substance during the Indian Wells Masters is big news. However, seeing the world number one getting accused of such allegations was even more bizarre for the tennis world. Thankfully for him, he was proven innocent later, but did the story end there? Well, the answer is a big no! As we can see, how people have become more curious to know about the whole saga, but has anyone ever tried to know what the 23-year-old tennis star went through at that time?

Yes, there were a few who saw a change in Sinner during that tough phase. According to Matteo Berrettini, “I think these have been difficult months for him. It’s impressive how he’s handled everything. I saw something different in his eyes, maybe less joy than usual. When everything came out, I understood what was cooking.” Berrettini was impressed with the way this youngster handled this enormous pressure yet won three titles after that.

Even Jannik Sinner’s coach, Darren Cahill, echoed the same. Cahill said, “If you are a Jannik fan, you would have seen a big change in his body language, his physicality on the court, his excitement to be on the court. He’s struggled and I think it’s worn him down physically and mentally.” With the verdict ending in his favor, Sinner may well feel a bit relieved now. However, do you think it will make an impact on his US Open campaign?