"Leave Jannik Sinner alone"- Novak Djokovic's ex-coach Goran Ivanisevic condemns people "who want to destroy someone's life" amid doping test row
Novak Djokovic’s ex-coach, Goran Ivanisevic, recently addressed Jannik Sinner’s doping test row. The Croat hoped for a favorable outcome in the World No. 1's case. He also made a remark about people who “want to destroy someone’s life.”
Sinner, who tested positive for a banned steroid called “Clostebol” during his 2024 Indian Wells campaign, was declared innocent in August by an independent tribunal. The Italian also overturned his provisional suspensions after he launched successful appeals. It was determined that Jannik Sinner’s positive tests were the result of unintentional contamination on his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi’s part.
However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the “no fault or negligence” verdict in Sinner’s case in September, indicating the tennis player bore some fault in his team’s mistake. The WADA issued a statement asking for a period of ineligibility between one and two years. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has yet to release a date for the hearing.
Amid the prolonged ordeal, Jannik Sinner has also dealt with immense online backlash. Novak Djokovic’s ex-coach, Goran Ivanisevic, addressed the saga during his recent interview with Sport Klub:
"I sincerely hope they leave him alone and let him play. Tennis needs Sinner," he said.
Ivanisevic, who became the first men’s Grand Slam champion hailing from Croatia at Wimbledon 2001, also recalled his countryman Marin Cilic’s doping test tribulation. Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion, tested positive for unintentional consumption of Nikethamide in 2013, following which he was handed a nine-month suspension.
"With Čilić, I had to deal with WADA and similar bodies, I've been there," Goran Ivanisevic said.
The Croat, who is no stranger to public scrutiny, having witnessed it first-hand during Novak Djokovic’s 2022 Australian deportation, sympathized with Jannik Sinner and extended his support.
"There are many complex people who want to destroy someone's life. I hope for a positive outcome for Sinner," the Croat said.
Jannik Sinner has maintained his on-court focus amid his doping tests ordeal
Despite all the outside noise and online abuse, Jannik Sinner has kept his focus on his on-court progress. In a recent interview with Sky Sport, the Italian shared how he has managed to compartmentalize.
"The moment I go on the court and put on my cap, for me only the tennis ball exists," the World No. 1 said. "On the court I feel safe."
"When I see the ball and I am about to serve, all my focus and desire is to hit the ball on the court. Because in the end it is my job and my passion. The problem and the work had to be separated," he added.
Jannik Sinner has won a staggering seven titles so far this season, including three Masters 1000 trophies (Miami, Cincinnati, and Shanghai), and his first two Majors at the Australian Open and the US Open. The 23-year-old will soon bid for his maiden title at the ATP Finals in Turin.