Jannik Sinner Wins First US Open Match Since Steroids' Case Despite Sloppy Start

Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner has been in a world of trouble for the past few days ever since trace amounts of steroids' were found in his tests on two different occasions within the same week. Sinner was able to get the charges dropped against him after he argued that the substance got into his system inadvertently via the person who gave him a massage. His explanation was found to be convincing enough by the The International Tennis Integrity Agency and thus all charges against the World No.1 tennis player were dropped and he was allowed to compete again. 

Jannik Sinner played his first match at the US Open where he put up a sloppy performance but still managed to beat his opponent Mackie McDonald to go into round 2. 

Sloppy Start For Sinner's US Open 

If there were any boos directed Jannik Sinner’s way at the U.S. Open, they were imperceptible amid the polite applause from the sparse crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium when he was introduced Tuesday before the No. 1-ranked man’s first match since his doping case emerged a week ago.

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After a sloppy and slow opening set, Sinner pulled away for a 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 victory against Mackie McDonald of the United States to reach the second round at Flushing Meadows.

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“The response from fans, I feel it has been great. Also throughout, when the news came out, in the practice sessions, there was a lot of support, which I’m very glad and happy about,” Sinner said. “It is still a little bit not easy. You have to go through, day by day.”

There were no apparent signs in the stands or disparaging shouts making reference to what no one knew about for months: Sinner tested positive twice for trace amounts of the anabolic steroid Clostebol in an eight-day span in March. 

Jannik Sinner will play his second round match in the US Open against United State's Alex Michelsen tomorrow.