Daniel Vallverdu is disappointed with Jannik Sinner’s rivals (Image: Getty)
former coach has criticised ATP Tour stars over their lack of support for . Daniel Vallverdu believes the Italian deserves more sympathy after .
Sinner twice produced positive doping tests in March last year but has always argued that he did not knowingly consume clostebol, a steroid which is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) banned substances list.
His defence has centred around the fact that he was inadvertently contaminated by his now-former physio. WADA accepted this argument but appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after Sinner was cleared by an independent panel. They argued that a player takes some responsibility for the negligence of their team.
Sinner will sit out for the next three months. His case has split opinion among tennis players and fans, but there has been little strong support for the reigning and US Open champion. Vallverdu believes that is unfair and says Sinner is the victim of bad processes by the authorities.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“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,” the Venezuelan, who coached Murray to two Grand Slams, wrote on X.
“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.
“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 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.”
Daniel Vallverdu (right) worked alongside Andy Murray earlier in his career (Image: Getty)
Former player and current Madrid Open tournament director Feliciano Lopez added that he feels it is “disappointing” that no top players have openly supported Sinner.
Responding to Vallverdu, Lopez wrote: “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.
“On the other hand it doesn’t surprise me at all… just don’t expect anything from others!”