World No. 1 Jannik Sinner acknowledged Friday that he was not in a "comfortable" situation as his ongoing doping case continues to unfold, but maintained that he felt prepared for his first match at the Shanghai Masters. Last week, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced it would appeal a decision by tennis authorities to clear Sinner of any wrongdoing after he tested positive for a steroid in March. The appeal came after Sinner was initially exonerated by tennis officials, who accepted his explanation of unintentional exposure to the substance.
Sinner, 23, managed to push through the controversy and reached the finals of the China Open in Beijing, where he lost to rival Carlos Alcaraz on Wednesday. Reflecting on the situation, Sinner admitted during a press conference that it was challenging. "I thought it was over, so it's not easy," he said, expressing his discomfort as the case drags on. Despite the uncertainty, Sinner remains hopeful and confident that the appeal will ultimately end in his favor.
In August, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted Sinner's explanation, attributing the positive test to a steroid spray used by his physiotherapist to treat a cut. WADA, however, filed an appeal seeking a potential two-year ban. Sinner has already undergone three hearings, which have ruled in his favor so far. Despite the ongoing process, Sinner remains optimistic about the outcome and is shifting his focus to the Shanghai Masters, where he could potentially face Alcaraz again.
Sinner, feeling recovered after his first practice session in Shanghai, will face Japan's 93rd-ranked Taro Daniel in his opening match. Despite the looming case, he appears ready to continue competing at a high level and is eager to see how the tournament unfolds. "I feel good. I feel recovered," Sinner said, determined to maintain his form amid the off-court challenges.
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