NEW YORK: World number one Jannik Sinner thanked tennis fans on Tuesday for their support amid a doping controversy that has surrounded the Australian Open champion in the buildup to the U.S. Open.
Sinner overcame a bad start to claim a 2-6 6-2 6-1 6-2 victory over American Mackenzie McDonald to reach the second round of the final Grand Slam of 2024.
The 23-year-old has been under intense scrutiny at the tournament after the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) said that he tested positive twice for an anabolic agent in March.
He has denied any wrongdoing and has continued to play after successfully challenging provisional suspensions.
"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 told reporters after his win over McDonald.
"It is still a little bit, you know, not easy. You have to go day by day... I was curious to see how the reaction of the fans has been, but it has been very positive.
"I was very glad how the support was, also playing against an American, it's a little bit different."
Following the ITIA's announcement, a number of players called out what they said were double standards in the sport, suggesting that the Italian had received preferential treatment.
Asked about his thoughts on the criticism, Sinner said: "There are some reactions. I cannot really control what they think and what they talk.
"That's how everything went and how it was, I already talked (about it), no?
"I cannot control the players' reaction, and if I have something to say to someone, I go there privately, because I'm this kind of person. But overall, it has been not bad. I'm happy about that."
Sinner faces another American, Alex Michelsen, in the second round.