Roger Federer’s ex-coach gives verdict on Novak Djokovic’s comment on Jannik Sinner’s lenient doping ban

Novak Djokovic has criticized the WADA, claiming they gave a lenient punishment to Jannik Sinner because he's a top player.

Roger Federer’s ex-coach gives verdict on Novak Djokovic’s comment on Jannik Sinner’s lenient doping ban

Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic (Image via X)

Top players from all over the world have signed up for the Indian Wells Open, the main draw of which starts on March 5. Jannik Sinner, however, didn’t travel to the United States as he is prohibited from ATP-sanctioned events due to the doping ban.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) reached a settlement agreement with Sinner and handed him a three-month ban which will be lifted on May 4. Novak Djokovic was one of the many critics of WADA’s verdicts.

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He doesn’t hold Sinner responsible for doping, believing in his explanation that clostebol contaminated him without his knowledge. Djokovic, however, wants an overhaul in anti-doping rules as players before Sinner with similar doping cases had been handed a lengthy ban.

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Djokovic’s longtime rival Roger Federer‘s former coach, Severin Luthi, gave his stance on Sinner’s case, lauding the Italian for the way he handled the scandal. The World No.1 took home two Grand Slam titles and his first ATP Finals trophy since it came to light that he failed drug test.

The Jannik Sinner case is far from being a doping case. I admire the way Jannik handled such a difficult situation: he proved once again that he is a real No. 1 and I respect him for that. I think Novak Djokovic is partly right when he says that the real problem lies in the system and the lack of clear regulation, but I prefer not to dwell on such a difficult and delicate subject.

Severin Luthi told Quindici Zero

Riccardo Piatti trained Jannik Sinner to beat players like Novak Djokovic

Jannik Sinner‘s former coach, Riccardo Piatti, played a massive role in his rise to the top. Piatti coached Novak Djokovic in 2006 and joined Sinner’s team in 2013. His goal while training Sinner was to find ways to beat players like Djokovic.

Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic
Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic (Images via ATP/X)

Sinner, if you compare to Djokovic, has a similar technique and movement, but I think his shots are now stronger than Nole. Of course, Nole is older now, but I think Jannik here has something more. They’re very different but also very similar in a way. I think Jannik is stronger than Novak now because he’s younger.

Riccardo Piatti told Tennis Majors

Djokovic and Sinner are 4-4 on the head-to-head record but the 23-year-old has defeated Nole in their previous three meetings. In their last encounter, Sinner triumphed over the Belgrade native in straight sets in the Shanghai Masters final.

Djokovic will be in action at the Indian Wells Open and will enter the tournament as the most successful player, having lifted five titles. Sinner could make his comeback at the Italian Open in May.