Jannik Sinner’s coach says that the world No 1 ‘did nothing wrong’ amid ATP Tour return
Simone Vagnozzi, one of Jannik Sinner’s coaches, has given his first account of the world No 1’s three-month suspension since the settlement was agreed upon, and stated that he ‘wouldn’t wish this situation on anyone.’
Vagnozzi has been working with Sinner since February 2022 and has been a key figure in the rise of the three-time Grand Slam champion, working alongside Darren Cahill as coach.
Despite Sinner’s success, the last 13 months have been undoubtedly complicated – failing two doping tests in March 2024, before being found to have ‘no fault or negligence’, but, ultimately, accepting a three-month ban from professional tennis in February 2025.
“It was a shock,” Vagnozzi commented to La Repubblica, when asked about his initial feelings on the two failed doping tests.
“After realising what had happened, I told Jannik we had to keep our heads high. He did nothing wrong — anyone who read the documents knows that.
“I wouldn’t wish this situation on anyone. Tennis is a metaphor for life. It demands the ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances: the balls, the surfaces, different continents. We had no choice but to accept what came our way and try to make the most of this break.
“Honestly, I’ve been very disconnected from tennis these past few weeks.”
Sinner’s rise to the top of tennis didn’t occur as quickly as some of his counterparts, not reaching his first Grand Slam semi-final until Wimbledon 2023 – at nearly 22-years-old.
Since October 2023, however, the world No 1 has won 98 out of 108 matches (including Davis Cup matches), which includes three Grand Slams, one Nitto ATP Finals, and three Masters 1000 titles.
Additionally, the Italian has been ranked as the world No 1 for 45 weeks.
“I never doubted Jannik’s ability to aim very high,” Sinner’s coach stated.
“But the turning point came in Beijing in 2023, when he beat Alcaraz and then Medvedev right after.
“That’s when I saw him do things he’d never done before, especially at the net. One of the first goals we set was finding a way to beat Medvedev [Sinner was previously 0-6 against the Russian].”
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Vagnozzi also weighed in on comparisons between his pupil and Carlos Alcaraz, who has one additional Grand Slam title and is the closest player in the rankings to Sinner.
“We’ll know when their careers are over and we can count the number of titles won,” argued Sinner’s coach.
“They are both extraordinary players, but it depends on the surface, the weather, the time of day, the time they go out on the court. The details.
“When I met him, he was a very good player with little tactical vision. Today he has it, he has improved his serve and gets to the net. He still works on some skills, and looks to gain more confidence when he goes to the net.”
Sinner is due to return to professional tennis at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Rome.
