Sinner talks about his positive test for the first time: "I know I didn't do anything wrong, that I have always been clean and fair"

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It has been one of the major news stories of the year, causing an earthquake in the world of tennis that has spread to other sports. As was logical and normal, Jannik Sinner faced a veritable storm of questions about his positive test for clostebol from April in his first press conference at the US Open 2024, of which we knew nothing until a few days ago and from which he was declared innocent after claiming that the substance entered his body through "contamination." The Italian addressed the press conference with composure and seriousness, not shying away from any topic and, above all, emphasizing that he has always been a clean player.

- Finding balance after his positive test for clostebol was made public

"It is clear that this situation is not ideal before a Grand Slam. In my mind, I always knew that I had done nothing wrong. I have played several months with this issue on my mind, but always reminding myself that I have done nothing wrong. I have always respected anti-doping rules and will always do so. The outcome was a relief. It's great to be back here, in a city with an incredible atmosphere for playing tennis. I hope to enjoy it as much as possible and have a great tournament."

- Would you have preferred for all of this to have been made public earlier?

"It has been a very long process. I have been dealing with this for many months, I think we all know for how long. Now, I had to make some decisions after the verdict. There are some deadlines you have to respect throughout this process, you cannot choose when it comes out or not. I am happy that everything has come to light, in a way it is a relief for my team and myself. Due to all this, it is clear that the preparation for this tournament has not been perfect, due to certain circumstances. But well, now it's out there. I was waiting for the outcome. It's out there now, there's no more to it."

- Confirms that Ferrara and Naldi are no longer part of his team

"I would like, first of all, to comment that they have been a very important part of my career. We have worked together for two years and have done an incredible job, with great success, forming a great team. Now, due to these mistakes, I do not feel as confident to continue with them. All I need right now is space. I have suffered a lot in the last few months. I was waiting for the result, now what I need is fresh air."

- Were you afraid that all of this would eventually be leaked?

"The result of this process was given on Monday. It has been a very long process. It started with the mistake they made. Of course, I was worried that it might come to light at some point. At first, my view was different, then everything became a bit more complicated. I told my team and lawyers that I am just a tennis player, that's what I love. This is also part of WADA and ITIA's anti-doping rules, so I was happy to cooperate with them and get the best possible result, especially knowing my innocence in this case."

- Concern about potentially receiving a significant sanction despite it all being accidental: How did they handle the case?

"In a way, everything is very simple. When we were informed that I had tested positive, the first thing we tried to find out was what substance it was. Umberto (Ferrara) is very, very knowledgeable about this process, he has extensive knowledge of nutrition and pharmacy. We asked him. He immediately knew it was from the spray. Knowing that it was from the spray and how it could have ended up in my body, we responded immediately, explained everything about how it happened, and that was the reason why I could keep playing.

While I continued playing, of course, we thought about what could happen in the future, but the reason I could play was because we knew where the substance was and how it had entered my body. Emphasizing this process and making them understand all this is very important, and they understood it immediately. They believed us, and that's why I was able to keep playing."

"Certainly, I felt worried because it is the first time, and I hope the last, that I am in this position. Another thing we need to look at is the amount in my body, which was 0.000000001, there are many zeros before the one. I was worried, of course, because I always handle this issue with care and believe I am a fair player, both on and off the court. Yes, that's how everything unfolded."

- Has there been a double standard in how your case was handled?

"No. Every player who tests positive must go through the same process. There are no shortcuts, no preferential treatment, everyone goes through the same process. I have already explained why I was able to keep playing, that's all I have to say. Of course, I understand other players' frustration, but perhaps the reason they were suspended is that they didn't exactly know where the positive came from, what substance it was, but the main reason is where it came from and how it got into your body. We knew immediately, we were aware of what had happened. We immediately responded to them, they suspended me for two or three days. I couldn't train during that time, but they accepted the reasons very quickly, and that's why I could keep playing."

- Are you afraid your reputation may be tarnished?

"That's a good question. Personally, I have always believed that I kept playing tennis because I was aware that I had done nothing wrong. I knew I was clean, and that I have always aimed to be a fair player. Perhaps this could change a couple of things, but anyone who knows me well knows for sure that I have never done nor would ever do anything against the rules. It has been a very tough time for me and my team. It still is because everything is very fresh. Now I also know who my friend is and who is not, because my friends know that I would never do anything like this, that we stand together. Now it's time to turn the page, my reputation is not something I can really control. We'll see."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sinner habla de su positivo por primera vez: "Sé que no hice nada malo, que siempre he sido limpio"