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A messy doping case, a troubled sport, a poised player
The Straits Times
|February 18, 2025
As words go, poise is a pretty one. It denotes equilibrium under stress and composure in crisis.
It is a rare and delightful quality and Jannik Sinner seems to wear it. His face is a pale, opaque study in serenity and his manner as steady as his forehand. Inside, who knows what churns; outside, you get an even man.
Poise isn't easy. At the US Open in 2024, almost every day Sinner is asked about his doping case, his reputation, social media, Nick Kyrgios' accusations, the rules. He doesn't duck or pout but takes it all on his choir boy chin. Once he even overrules a moderator who wants to halt the line of questioning and answers.
In late 2024, doping comes up again in Beijing, in Shanghai, at the Davis Cup, the ATP Finals. He replies, always a portrait in absent surliness. At the Australian Open in 2025, he's asked about the crowd's response when he first appears on court and politely says: "I was curious to see how it was. You never know what's happening... It was a very nice crowd. There were some for my opponent and some for me."
This story is from the February 18, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
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