Jannik Sinner hailed for handling of failed doping tests by Serena Williams’ former coach
Legendary tennis coach Rick Macci has praised Jannik Sinner for the way he has reacted to the “adversity” of his failed doping tests.
Macci, a former coach of Serena Williams, believes the way Sinner has handled himself showcases his mental strength and greatness.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced in August that Sinner would not receive a ban for failing two doping tests in March after an independent tribunal ruled he bore “no fault or negligence.”
The Italian tested positive for low levels of clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid, on March 10 and 18 — during and after the Indian Wells Masters.
The tribunal accepted Sinner’s explanation that the substance had entered his body when receiving a massage from his former physio, Giacomo Naldi, who had used a spray containing the steroid to treat a cut on his finger.
After the news of his failed tests broke, Sinner parted ways with both Naldi and his former fitness coach Umberto Ferrara.
“We made an incredible job, bringing a lot of success and then having a great team behind me. Now, because of these mistakes, I’m not feeling that confident to continue with them,” Sinner admitted.
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The World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport over the verdict, seeking to impose a ban of up to two years on Sinner.
A statement from WADA said: “It is WADA’s view that the finding of ‘no fault or negligence’ was not correct under the applicable rules.
“WADA is seeking a period of ineligibility of between one and two years. WADA is not seeking a disqualification of any results, save that which has already been imposed by the tribunal of first instance.”
In a post on X, Macci defended Sinner and hit out at those claiming he should be suspended.
“Was asked again by another journalist if Sinner should be suspended for two years because of the doping allegations. I said of course not but a few journalists should be suspended for two weeks for being a dope,” he wrote.
The American lauded the two-time Grand Slam champion’s mentality in a separate post.
“The Italian flame thrower and how he handled the allegation is another gold nugget in his mental toolbox,” Macci added.
“He took adversity and they became best friends and greatness has that ability to take a negative [and] flip the script even though by accident he tested positive.”
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