Matteo Berrettini recently expressed sympathy and admiration for his fellow Italian tennis star, Jannik Sinner, who found himself at the center of a doping controversy earlier this year.
The 28-year-old Berrettini praised Sinner’s maturity and resilience in handling the situation, highlighting the strength of character that the young athlete displayed throughout the ordeal.
The controversy began when Jannik Sinner tested positive for Clostebol, a banned substance, during his Indian Wells campaign in March. Traces of Clostebol were found in two of his urine samples, leading to a five-month-long investigation. The news of the positive test came to light on August 20, when the case was finally resolved in Sinner’s favor, clearing him of any intentional wrongdoing.
Berrettini’s Support for Sinner
During an interview with Sky Sport, Matteo Berrettini spoke candidly about his compatriot’s challenging experience. He expressed his admiration for how Sinner managed the situation, especially given the intense scrutiny and pressure that comes with being a high-profile athlete embroiled in a doping scandal.
“I think these have been difficult months for him; it’s impressive how he’s handled everything,” Berrettini said (translated from Italian via Napoli Magazine). He continued, “I complimented him. Nobody would want to be in his shoes, but I know him well, and I’m sure it was a mistake.”
Berrettini also noted that in the months leading up to the revelation of the case, he had observed a change in Sinner’s demeanor. The usually joyful and spirited player seemed more subdued, which Berrettini later realized was likely due to the stress of the ongoing investigation.
“I saw something different in his eyes, maybe less joy than usual. When everything came out, I understood what was cooking,” Berrettini remarked.
The Investigation and Its Findings
The investigation into Sinner’s positive test results ultimately concluded that the amount of Clostebol found in his system was negligible and had no performance-enhancing effects. It was also determined that Sinner bore “no fault or negligence” in the incident. The substance had apparently entered Sinner’s body unintentionally through his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi.
Naldi had been treating a cut on his finger with a spray containing Clostebol, which is available over-the-counter in Italy. During massage sessions with Sinner, the physiotherapist inadvertently exposed the athlete to the substance, leading to the positive test results.
Despite the outcome of the investigation clearing him of intentional doping, Sinner still faced significant challenges. The case, which dragged on for several months, put immense mental and emotional strain on the 23-year-old. The timing of the case’s resolution, just before the start of the US Open, added another layer of difficulty for Sinner as he prepared for one of the biggest tournaments of the year.
The Fallout: Public and Peer Reactions
Even though Sinner was exonerated, the fallout from the controversy was harsh. He was subjected to severe online abuse, with some fans and commentators questioning his integrity. A few of his fellow players also weighed in, accusing the ATP and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) of giving Sinner preferential treatment because of his high profile. They pointed to the quick resolution of the case and the fact that Sinner managed to avoid a lengthy suspension.
It is important to note, however, that Sinner did face two brief suspensions during the investigation. Both suspensions were successfully appealed by Sinner and his legal team, allowing him to continue competing while the case was ongoing. Despite the legal challenges and public scrutiny, Sinner chose to address the media on August 23, taking the opportunity to dispel misinformation and set the record straight.
Resilience on the Court
What makes Sinner’s story even more remarkable is his ability to maintain an exceptionally high level of performance on the court during this turbulent period. From April to August, despite the cloud of controversy hanging over him, Sinner produced some of the best tennis of his career.
He reached the semifinals of the French Open, a feat that propelled him to the No. 1 spot in the world rankings for the first time in his career. In addition to his Grand Slam success, Sinner claimed two significant titles: the ATP 500 in Halle in June and the Masters 1000 in Cincinnati on August 19, just a day before the news of his positive test became public.
Matteo Berrettini, who has known Sinner for years and shares a close bond with him, was particularly impressed by his younger colleague’s ability to stay focused and composed under such immense pressure. In his interview, Berrettini highlighted the mental fortitude that Sinner demonstrated, which allowed him to continue achieving great results even when the odds were stacked against him.
“It’s impressive how he’s handled everything; he’s achieved great results despite the situation,” Berrettini said. “We talked in the locker room, and just by looking into each other’s eyes, we understood how difficult it was to handle this situation.” He added, “Even these days, he’s handling everything in an excellent way; it’s impressive at his age.”
Looking Ahead: Sinner’s Future
As Jannik Sinner moves forward from this controversy, his focus now shifts to the 2024 US Open, where he hopes to secure his second Grand Slam title. The Italian is set to face Mackenzie McDonald in the opening round on Tuesday, August 27, in what promises to be a highly anticipated match.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Sinner’s recent form suggests that he is more than capable of rising to the occasion. The experience of dealing with the doping scandal has undoubtedly been a significant test of his character, but it has also provided him with an opportunity to demonstrate his resilience and determination.
Matteo Berrettini, who will begin his US Open campaign against Albert Ramos-Vinolas on Monday, will undoubtedly be rooting for his compatriot as they both look to make deep runs in the tournament. Berrettini’s support and admiration for Sinner reflect the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists between the two players, a bond that has only strengthened in the face of adversity.
As Sinner continues to navigate his way through the challenges of professional tennis, one thing is clear: he has the mental and emotional toughness to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. With the doping controversy now behind him, Sinner can focus entirely on his tennis, and fans can look forward to seeing him compete at the highest level in the months and years to come.
The 2024 US Open will be a crucial test for Sinner, not just in terms of his physical performance, but also as a measure of how well he has put the past behind him. If his recent results are anything to go by, Sinner is more than ready to rise to the occasion and continue his ascent in the world of tennis.
