Jannik Sinner opened his US Open campaign with a four-set win over local favorite Mackenzie McDonald. He overcame a slow start to prevail 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2.
The World No. 1, who was recently stripped of his Indian Wells ranking points and prize money after testing positive for the banned steroid Clostebol, however, acknowledged that the situation was far from ideal.
Answering a question about fans’ reaction to the doping row during his post-match press conference, Sinner said he was still learning to deal with it and taking things on a day-to-day basis.
He acknowledged that the response has been largely positive but conceded that things were still “not easy” for him.
“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 that,” Jannik Sinner said.
“It is still a little bit, you know, not easy. You know, you have to go through day by day. So, you know, obviously I’m very happy to be here in the position where I am, and then trying just to go day by day, really,” she added.
Looking ahead, Sinner said he would use the day off to hit the practice courts. He added that being ready for the next match with a positive mindset was his primary goal at this point.
“Tomorrow I have one day off. One day of practice session, and hopefully I’m ready then to start the next match in a very positive way. Let’s see if I’m able to that or not. So it’s going to be interesting to see,” the World No.1 said.
“Took some time to get in the rhythm” – Jannik Sinner after battling his way into US Open second round
Jannik Sinner also reflected on his overall performance in the opening match, saying it took him some time to get into his rhythm after stepping out on the court.
The top seed conceded that the first matches at Grand Slams are never easy, but expressed satisfaction at having come through in the end.
“Yeah, tough match obviously,” Jannik Sinner said. “First matches are never easy. Took some time to get in the rhythm, but very happy how I ended the match, which hopefully can give me confidence for the next match. Glad to be in the second round.”
Sinner will take on another American, Alex Michelsen, in the second round. Michelsen beat compatriot Eliot Spizzirri in straight sets in his opening match.
