World number one Jannik Sinner has caused quite a stir ahead of the US Open which gets underway today.
The Italian star who claimed his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open has been making the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
It’s been revealed that the player tested positive for clostebol – a steroid that can be used to build muscle mass – back in March.
He was cleared of any fault or negligence by a tribunal with the ITIA finding that Sinner had been inadvertently contaminated with the substance by his physio.
The 23-year-old was given a provisional suspension when he tested positive but was able to keep playing after successfully appealing the outcome.
Now, an English player thinks something that Sinner has done has left a bad taste in the mouth ahead of the final major tournament of the year.
Liam Broady stunned by what ESPN have done with Jannik Sinner
Well, despite the player being in the headlines for the wrong reasons, it would appear that the broadcasters are still keen to give him the time of day.
ESPN set up an interview with the Italian player ahead of the tournament and Broady isn’t a big fan of that decision by the American broadcast giants.
The English performer posted on X: “Not treated differently from other players but gets curated, presidential sit-down interviews with ESPN to maintain image. Where’s this energy for everybody else? Never seen anything like this.”
As is the nature of the beast with social media, Broady received lots of criticism for his comments and he was forced to reply to those too.
He added: “Crazy thing is some on here think I hate Sinner. I think he’s absolutely brilliant. Fantastic tennis player and has always been very humble. Been a huge fan of his since his challenger days which is a lot longer than a lot of the offended people in my mentions have supported.”
Sinner might face hostile reception at US Open
Fans can be very cynical about this sort of thing and perhaps Sinner is going to have to expect the worst when he steps onto the court in New York.
Sinner will be acutely aware of what to expect and it feels as though some tennis supporters might not be happy with this news.
Fans would be wise to note that Sinner has been cleared of any wrongdoing and it will be interesting to see how he’s received.
Broady does make some good points, however. It’s intriguing to think that the broadcasters are perhaps skirting around him because he’s the world number one.
Perhaps lesser players wouldn’t be looked at in such forgiving circumstances and clearly Broady doesn’t agree with the media love in for the Australian Open champion.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
