“Done nothing wrong,” Darren Cahill makes feelings known on working with Jannik Sinner during doping saga

World No.1 Jannik Sinner is serving his three-month doping ban and could make his comeback at the Italian Open.

“Done nothing wrong,” Darren Cahill makes feelings known on working with Jannik Sinner during doping saga

Jannik Sinner, Darren Cahill (Images via ATP/X)

Had Jannik Sinner not received a doping ban, he would have started his training for the Indian Wells Open, the main draw of which is scheduled to start on March 5. He will miss several ATP 1000 Masters events during his suspension. Sinner, however, wants to use the time to train for the clay session.

His coach, Darren Cahill, will part ways with him after the end of the 2025 tennis season. He joined Sinner’s team in 2022 and under him, the Italian became World No.1, won three Grand Slam titles, and one ATP Finals trophy. On the Tennis Insider Club podcast, the Australian coach made his feelings known on working with the 23-year-old.

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He’s an extraordinary guy, down to earth, humble, with all the fundamental values ​​that you look for not only in an athlete but in a person you enjoy spending time with. It’s a pleasure to work with him.

Darren Cahill said

Sinner needed his team’s support the most when he was dealing with uncertainty about his career. Banned anabolic steroid clostebol was found in his sample twice last year, which divided the tennis world as the punishment for failing the drug test he received was considered lenient.

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He’s been through some tough times over the last 12 months and our job was to protect him, to let him know that he’s done nothing wrong and that he can always walk around the locker room with his head held high and be proud of himself.

Darren Cahill added

Cahill lauded Sinner for the way he handled the controversy. He was also stunned by Sinner’s mental strength as he recalled the 2024 Australian Open final where the World No.1 came from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev and won his first Grand Slam title.

Jannik Sinner’s Laureus award nomination revoked after doping ban

Jannik Sinner had enjoyed the best season of his career so far last year. He won his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open and doubled the tally by clinching the US Open. Apart from these majors, Sinner also emerged as a champion at the ATP Finals.

Jannik Sinner (7)
Jannik Sinner (Image via ATP/X)

But Sinner’s incredible season was marred by the doping saga. Recently, the Laureus World Sports Academy announced that they have withdrawn Sinner’s nomination for the World Sportsman of the Year award because of the doping ban.

Sinner is serving the ban because of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as they reached a settlement agreement with the South Tyrol native. His ban will be lifted on May 4 and he is expected to make his comeback at the Italian Open.