Daniel Vallverdu slams Anti-Doping agencies after Jannik Sinner’s ban

Stan Wawrinka’s former coach Daniel Vallverdu has come in support of Jannik Sinner after the Italian recently accepted a three-month ban from WADA. Vallverdu said there is a lack of camaraderie among the tennis family and said the Italian should not be treated so harshly.

Players like Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, and Nick Krygios questioned the system and all of them feel that the Italian is lucky to get away with a three-month ban and he could have been given a more strict suspension.

However, Vallverdu said Sinner didn’t use any performance-enhancing substance and he is not at fault here. 

Meanwhile, trace amounts of Clostebol were found in Sinner’s doping sample. However, Sinner explained that it was due to a massage from a trainer who used the substance after cutting his own finger.

International Tennis Integrity Agency had accepted Sinner’s explanation but WADA was seeking to ban the Italian for at least a year.

“After giving it some days to digest the reaction from the tennis world regarding @janniksin ban – i would like to say that im saddened by the lack of camaraderie – most not focusing on the facts of the case. The real losers here are JS and Tennis,” Vallverdu wrote on X.

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

“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 will be the perfect setting for the warm welcome he deserves. 🦊🎾💪🏻,” Vallverdu concluded.

After serving his ban, Sinner will be able to take part in the Roland Garros, which would kick off on 25th May.