sinner A warm welcome was received, External Cheers erupted from the crowd during the team’s first practice Thursday at Flushing Meadows.
Speaking for the first time since the news broke Monday, Sinner said he felt “relieved” that the investigation was over.
When asked if she was worried about her reputation, Sinner replied: “I always believe that I continued playing tennis because in my heart I knew I was doing nothing wrong.”
“Anyone who knows me well knows that I have never done anything against the rules and never will.
“Here I know who are my friends and who are not my friends, because my friends know I would never do something like that.
“As far as reputation goes, we’ll see what happens. That’s something I have no control over.”
As a result of his positive test he was given an automatic provisional suspension, but his appeal was successful and he was able to continue playing.
Sinner also won tournaments in Halle and Cincinnati and became world number one for the first time.
“Obviously it’s not ideal before a Grand Slam but in my mind I know I’m not doing anything wrong,” he said.
“I’ve had to play with this in my head for months now.
“I’m happy to finally be released. It’s kind of a relief for me and for the team who are still here.”
Some players have criticised the decision not to suspend Sinner when he tested positive.
Sinner said he went through the same process as every other player, adding, “There are no shortcuts, there’s no special treatment.”
“Obviously, I understand other players get frustrated at times, but because I was suspended, maybe I didn’t know exactly where that frustration was coming from.”
“We found out about it immediately and were aware of what had happened.”
