"Cynical & biased";"Continuously questioning ruling for doping scandal" - Fans slam John McEnroe for reportedly 'badmouthing' Jannik Sinner at US Open

John McEnroe's reported comments on Jannik Sinner's doping controversy during his commentary for the Italian's first-round match at the 2024 US Open have sparked outrage among tennis fans. The World No. 1 received a "no fault" verdict by the ITIA (International Tennis Integrity Agency) after an independent tribunal concluded that his two positive tests for the banned anabolic steroid Clostebol were caused by accidental exposure.

Sinner made a slow start to his opening-round clash against Mackenzie McDonald at the New York Major, allowing the American to clinch the first set in commanding fashion. However, the World No. 1 quickly found his rhythm and raised his level, mounting a stellar comeback to claim a 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 win in two hours and 23 minutes.

The 23-year-old's doping controversy seemingly took center stage during ESPN's broadcast of the match, as John McEnroe weighed in on the saga and suggested that it would always remain a blemish on Sinner's career.

""This incident will be part of jannik sinner’s history" - john mcenroe," a fan posted.

Fans lambasted McEnroe for "continuously questioning the ruling" of Jannik Sinner's doping saga, with some even claiming that the American legend was "biased" because he supported the Italian's rivals Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.

"We know by now John McEnroe is a big supporter of both @carlosalcaraz and @DjokerNole but to be there as announcer for the @janniksin game and continuously questioning the ruling for the doping scandal, is not a good look," one fan commented.

"US open. Why are you allowing Mcenroe to commentate matches? He is so cynical and biased," another fan chimed in.

"STOP talking about Sinner during his match other than the match McEnroe. Jeez," a fan argued.

"Did John McEnroe just call Jannik “light skinned”??????" said yet another.

Alongside John McEnroe, his co-commentator Chris Fowler also faced backlash for "defaming" the World No. 1, even though he was cleared of any wrongdoing by the authorities.

"Shame on you, @cbfowler! Keep defaming Sinner and you'll talk your way into a lawsuit. You and John McEnroe are bad-mouthing Sinner who has been judged as has no responsibility for the 1-in-billion trace amount. And A-hole McEnroe claims "doping" will follow Sinner forever," one fan posted.

"Just muted Sinner match. Would love to hear Johnny Mac but that means enduring Chris FOUL-er. Not today. That man's theme music should be MJ's "Wanna Be Startin' Something." McEnroe gotta offer up heat as a reason that fans may be muted today because of his gossipy mess," another fan wrote.

"McEnroe & the other US commentators are getting on my last nerve!! Stop talking about it!!" said another.

Jannik Sinner to lock horns with Alex Michelsen in US Open 2R

Following his win over Mackenzie McDonald, Jannik Sinner will face another American, Alex Michelsen, in the second round of the 2024 US Open. Michelsen breezed past compatriot Eliot Spizzirri 6-1, 7-5, 6-3 to set up a meeting with the top seed.

Sinner claimed a 6-4, 7-5 win over the American in their only previous meeting at the recently concluded Cincinnati Open. In his post-match press conference, the World No. 1 expressed his hope to gain confidence from his "tough" battle against McDonald and carry the momentum into his rematch with Michelsen at the New York Major.

"Yeah, tough match obviously. First matches are never easy. Took some time to get in the rhythm, but very happy how I ended the match, which hopefully can give me confidence for the next match," Jannik Sinner said.

Jannik Sinner, who lost to Alexander Zverev in the fourth round of the US Open last year, will face tough competition from the likes of Tommy Paul and Arthur Fils in his quarter of the draw as he aims to better his result from 2023.