“Lack of support for Jannik Sinner” Former Andy Murray coach criticises tennis world

Former Andy Murray’s coach has criticised the lack of support Jannik Sinner received following his doping ban. The world No. 1 recently reached an agreement with WADA, accepting a three-month suspension, bringing an end to the doping case saga and setting up his return at the upcoming Italian Open.

The three-time Grand Slam champion tested positive twice in anti-doping tests a year ago in Indian Wells. The ITIA investigation determined that Sinner bore no fault or negligence, leading to an August ruling that he would not be suspended but would forfeit the points and prize money earned at IW.

The World Anti-Doping Agency later appealed, seeking a ban of one to two years, with an independent tribunal set to review the case in April. However, WADA ultimately withdrew its appeal and reached a settlement with Sinner for a reduced three-month suspension starting on 9 February.

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Vallverdu and Feliciano Lopez defend Sinner 

Criticism has resurfaced over the alleged preferential treatment Sinner received. Compared to his 2024 schedule, he will miss four Masters 1000 events—Indian Wells, the Miami Open, the Monte-Carlo Masters, and the Madrid Open. However, he will return just in time for his home Masters in Rome and will be eligible to compete at the French Open, avoiding the risk of missing a Grand Slam.

The controversial case has been a hot topic among top ATP and WTA stars in recent weeks, with more criticism of the process than support for Sinner. Notable voices speaking out include Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, and Aryna Sabalenka.

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One thing that has been largely absent, at least according to former Murray coach Daniel Vallverdu, is support for the Italian. “After giving it some days to digest the reaction from the tennis world regarding [Sinner’s] ban - I would like to say that I’m saddened by the lack of camaraderie - most not focusing on the facts of the case. The real losers here are JS and Tennis.”

“We should be focusing on the Anti-Doping agencies processes and rules rather than the player being a victim from it - who clearly had zero performance-enhancing benefits. ZERO,” he added. “I know JS since he was 14 years old and I’m comfortable to say that he is 100 per cent not at fault.”

The Venezuelan coach believes the criticism should be aimed at the process and insisted that Sinner never deserved a suspension. “The Anti-Doping agencies are at fault for the lack of consistency and accuracy with most tennis cases lately. There should have never been a ban here. Not an easy time for JS and team. Stay strong and Rome (Italian Open) will be the perfect setting for the warm welcome he deserves.”

Feliciano López, the Madrid Open director—the last major tournament Sinner will miss due to his ban—agreed with Vallverdu and argued that Sinner’s case has been unfairly compared to others. “I couldn’t agree more, the lack of empathy given the circumstances to someone who proved himself innocent is beyond DISAPPOINTING. People comparing different cases-processes to justify their arguments when there is no one case same as another,” he responded. “On the other hand it doesn’t surprise me at all… just don’t expect anything from others!”

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