Jannik Sinner's response to his doping saga has been lauded by one of Serena Williams' former coaches, Rick Macci, who also praised him and Carlos Alcaraz for being great role models.
Opinions differ on whether Sinner should be banned after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the decision to clear him for twice testing positive for the prohibited substance clostebol at March's Indian Wells Open.
However, no one can refute that the Italian's response on the court since that news became public a few days before the US Open has been outstanding, showing the 23-year-old's impressive resilience.
Having been written off by some before the year's final Grand Slam due to his doping case being made public, Sinner stormed to the US Open title. He only lost two sets throughout the tournament, including a one-sided victory against Taylor Fritz in the final.
After being outlasted in a thrilling China Open final by Alcaraz, Sinner defeated Novak Djokovic in the Shanghai Masters final to win his third Masters 1000 crown of the year, having also triumphed at the Miami Open and the Cincinnati Open.
Sinner's most recent appearance was at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia. In the final, he beat Carlos Alcaraz to win the largest paycheck in tennis history, $6 million.
The world No. 1 then withdrew from the ongoing Paris Masters. Sinner stated this was due to an illness, but the tournament director said the Six Kings Slam could have contributed to his decision.
Regardless, 2024 has still been an exceptional season for Sinner. Macci outlined his admiration for the two-time Grand Slam champion's resilience in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
"The Italian Flame thrower and how he handled the allegation is another GOLD NUGGET in his mental toolbox. He took adversity and they became best friends and greatness has that ability to take a negative flip the script even though by accident he tested positive."
Responding to something as serious as a doping case was undoubtedly the most significant mental test of Sinner's career. He has passed it with flying colors so far, although continuing to perform well with such uncertainty in the background might be challenging.
Macci also thinks Sinner and Alcaraz are excellent role models for younger players, who can be inspired by their examples when trying to conduct themselves properly on the court.
"What I love most about the two new sheriffs in town and putting most of the tour under arrest is both the Italian Flame thrower and the Spanish Magician are world class Role Models for younger players to See and some day dream to Be."
Many players on the ATP Tour are prone to outbursts. The most recent example was Andrey Rublev, who made his knee bleed at the Paris Masters after smacking his racket against it several times.
Sinner and Alcaraz do not engage in such antics. The Spaniard did smash his racket against Gael Monfils at the Cincinnati Open, but that was an isolated incident and does not indicate how he usually conducts himself on the court.
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