"Jannik Sinner has understood he can survive anything in life" - Coach Darren Cahill believes doping saga has made Italian stronger than before
Jannik Sinner's coach Darren Cahill is of the opinion that the doping saga that the Italian has undergone this year has only made him stronger. Cahill, in fact, believes that the ordeal has made Sinner understand that he can now survive anything that life throws at him.
Just before the 2024 US Open, it came to light that Sinner had tested positive for Clostebol, a prohibited steroid, during the Indian Wells Open. While the World No. 1 escaped without any ban from the ITIA (International Tennis Integrity Agency), it has become a point of contention for tennis fans.
Meanwhile, WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) is still investigating the case, and will decide soon whether it wants to impose a ban of upto two years on the two-time Grand Slam champion. Sinner, to his credit, continues to plow his way through the ATP Tour in the meantime, and is set to end the year as the World No. 1 regardless of what happens at the ATP Finals.
In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Sinner's coach Cahill commiserated his ward on the focus he has displayed during these times, hailing him as an 'inspiration' for flawlessly carrying on with his work.
"Jannik has understood that he can survive anything in life, after this he is no longer afraid of anything. Two Slams and number 1. Jannik is also an inspiration to me. Everyone talks about the team around him, but he is the leader.
"He is the one who sets the path. He has done nothing wrong. He knows he is innocent. We will wait for the CAS verdict. In the meantime, Jannik will hold his head high," Cahill said.
At the same time, Cahill conceded that the doping saga has been the worst moment of the season for Jannik Sinner, marveling at how the 22-year-old continues to hold his head high despite all the criticism that has come his way.
"It was the worst moment of the season, when we received the news after the Miami tournament, but there is always calm after the storm. After a moment of shock, Jannik walked with his head held high knowing that he did nothing wrong. It has been a long process. People don't imagine it, you have to live it," he said.
"WADA has not questioned whether Jannik Sinner is a clean player" - Darren Cahill
As for the WADA investigation, Darren Cahill isn't too worried, as the anti-doping body has never questioned whether Jannik Sinner is a "clean" player. In fact, WADA's argument has only been that Sinner should be held responsible for the actions of his team, even if he bore no fault for the Clostebol entering his system (unintentionally through a body spray used by the Italian's physio).
"If there is one positive thing in this new process, it is that WADA has not questioned whether Jannik is a clean player and that is the most important thing for us.
"He has always believed that the truth would come out and has used the field as his safe place. Every time he dresses as a tennis player and takes the racket in his hand, he feels safe because he is in the place he loves," Darren Cahill said.
Jannik Sinner is currently in Turin for the ATP Finals, where he finished as the runner-up last year.