Jannik Sinner: Is the doping case a dark cloud over the victory at the US Open?

Jannik Sinner is not known as one of the most expressive personalities in the tennis world.

Yet the Italian world number one’s understated demeanor was evident throughout his quest for the US Open title.

Subdued celebrations and greater mindfulness were the result of Sinner’s embroilment in a doping controversy that shook the tennis world to its core.

In the week leading up to the final Grand Slam tournament of the season in New York, it was announced that Sinner had failed two doping tests earlier this year.

Sinner, 23, was found to have low levels of clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid, but an independent court found no fault or negligence.

“It was of course very difficult for me to enjoy myself at certain moments,” Sinner said after beating Taylor Fritz on Sunday to win the US Open.

“Also the way I behaved and how I walked on the court during certain tournaments was not the same as before. Those who know me better know that something was wrong.”

Over the past two weeks he has tried to push the subject to the background, transforming the difficult start into a triumphant finish.

However, the case has sparked much debate and many questions remain unanswered.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada), which draws up the list of banned substances, told BBC Sport it is “still considering” whether to appeal the ruling that Sinner was not at fault.

Even if Wada does not appeal, Sinner’s second Grand Slam victory will remain a dark cloud for many.

Damage to reputation is not easy to shake off.

British doubles player Tara Moore, who was also found not guilty of doping, described how her reputation “chilled away” during the 19 months she was banned from playing as she fought to clear her name.

British athlete Paula Radcliffe and Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe – superstars in their fields – also felt they were “tainted” by being wrongly accused of doping in major stories of their time.

Even though Sinner is acquitted of any wrongdoing, he will still face the suspicion and skepticism that still prevails in some circles.

“As with any player who tests positive, there will be a cloud and some doubt hanging over him for the rest of his career,” said investigative journalist Edmund Willison, whose website Honest Sport, external specializes in stories about sports doping.

“It will definitely always be in the rear window.”