It was a Jannik Sinner who was unrecognizable at the beginning of the match against Mackenzie McDonald, USA.
In fact, the world number one from Italy did not reach his level at all, while the 140th-ranked American played a great game and was able to win the first set with a clear 6–2.
However, Sinner then raised his game, taking over the match completely, and eventually won with 3–1 in sets (2–6, 6–2, 6–1, 6–2).
Perhaps it was the revelation last week, that Sinner tested positive for the banned performance-enhancing steroid clostebol on two occasions in March this year, which disturbed the world number one during the beginning of the match.
The star was, however, cleared of punishment as tennis's international testing organization accepted his explanation that he had ingested the substance by mistake.
It has been very tough for me and my team. It still is, said Sinner ahead of the Grand Slam tournament according to AP.
How the matter has been handled, and that it was kept secret until recently, has led to criticism from other players.
