Jannik Sinner’s coach Darren Cahill has shared how his player reacted to criticism over his doping ban.
Coach Darren Cahill has revealed how Jannik Sinner has dealt with criticism surrounding his three-month doping ban. According to Cahill, his player has shown incredible maturity in handling the pressure-filled situation.
Sinner tested positive for the banned substance clostebol at the 2024 Indian Wells Open and had to wait nearly a year for the final verdict. He was initially cleared, but the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed. Rather than let the case go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Sinner and WADA reached an agreement on a three-month ban.
During this process, many players and experts have spoken out. Most of the criticism has been directed at the way WADA and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) have handled the situation, but Sinner has also received some negative reactions. Despite his young age, the Italian has not flinched under pressure.
In an interview on Caroline Garcia’s Tennis Insider Club podcast, Cahill shared that Sinner handled the situation with calmness and dignity.
“Tennis is his biggest passion. Every day he wakes up wanting to play, to contribute and to enjoy the game. It’s amazing how he’s dealing with it,” Cahill said.
The Australian also stressed that Sinner’s case was an accident. He did not intentionally use the banned substance, but was influenced by a team physiotherapist.
“A lot of players who test positive are taking drugs or supplements – it’s intentional contamination. But with Jannik, it was an accident. A therapist was using a spray to treat a wound on his hand, and somehow it got on him.”
What impressed Cahill most was Sinner’s mature response to criticism.
“He said to me: ‘Don’t pay attention to criticism from people you don’t go to for advice.’ I looked at him and thought, ‘Are you really 23?’”
According to Cahill, Sinner’s calm, non-confrontational demeanour showed maturity beyond his years. “He’s a young man but he’s very mature. I know Italy is very proud of him – and rightly so.”
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