Simone Vagnozzi reveals initial reaction after hearing about Jannik Sinner’s doping scandal
Jannik Sinner will return to tour at the Rome Masters, with his doping suspension ending in a few weeks.
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Jannik Sinner and Simone Vagnozzi (via Instagram/Simone Vagnozzi)
Simone Vagnozzi, alongside Darren Cahill, has been coaching Jannik Sinner since 2022. Vagnozzi recently gave an interview to the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, where he spoke about Sinner’s ongoing doping case. Backing Sinner’s innocence, Vagnozzi remarked that he was shocked when he first got the news of the doping scandal.
Sinner tested positive twice for the banned substance clostebol last year. He was initially not hit with a provisional suspension by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). Sinner successfully appealed the case, which allowed him to continue playing before the ITIA cleared him of “no fault or negligence” for the failed tests.
It was a shock. After acknowledging what had happened, I told Jannik that we had to hold our heads high. He hadn’t done anything wrong, anyone who has read the documents knows it. I wouldn’t wish anyone to have to experience such a situation.
Simone Vagnozzi told La Repubblica
However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) challenged this decision and sought an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) for a one-year suspension to be given to Sinner. The hearing was initially scheduled for April 16-17, however, in February, the body announced a three-month ban for the World No. 1, accepting Sinner’s explanation that the substance entered his body without his knowledge due to the use of a spray by his physiotherapist.
Sinner’s suspension will end in a few weeks on May 4. He will be eligible to play in the Rome Masters. This will mark his next tournament of the season after the Australian Open, where he defended his title, defeating Alexander Zverev in the finals. Interestingly, neither Zverev nor Carlos Alcaraz has been able to overtake Sinner from the World No. 1 ranking.
Jack Draper joined close friend Jannik Sinner for practice
Jannik Sinner was recently spotted practicing with his close friend Jack Draper in France. The two have had sessions on the clay courts at Beaulieu’s Tennis Club in Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
As a part of his suspension, Sinner was permitted to return to “official training activity” on April 13. Prior to this, the 23-year-old was not allowed to use public tennis courts or gyms and was barred from training with fellow professional players.
Draper and Sinner, both the same age, have been good friends, even partnering for doubles at the 2024 Montreal Open, where they reached the quarterfinals. Draper had also spoken in support of Sinner during his suspension. He will next compete in the Madrid Open.
Serena Williams spoke about Jannik Sinner and his doping suspension
Serena Williams was recently named one of TIME’s 100 most influential people for 2025. In her interview with TIME, the 23-time Grand Slam champion spoke about Jannik Sinner and his ongoing doping suspension.
The American said that men’s tennis “needs” him, even though she seemed unsure about how serious his punishment was. Williams also added that she would have faced a tougher punishment if it were her, and her Grand Slams would also have been taken away.
Williams also reflected on how Maria Sharapova was treated after her doping case. She expressed her sympathy for her former rival. Williams had an impressive 20-2 head-to-head record over Sharapova.
The Russian had tested positive for meldonium in 2016 at the Australian Open and was banned for two years. The ban was later shortened to 15 months. Like Sinner, her positive doping test was also ruled as unintentional.
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