“It ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward,” this iconic dialogue from Rocky Balboa fits World No.1 Jannik Sinner aptly, amid the doping saga. Back in August 2024, it was revealed that he tested positive twice for Clostebol. Since then, the two-time Grand Slam champion and ATP Finals winner has faced harsh criticism from all corners, including the media and tennis community. Despite aggravated backlash on his integrity, the Italian seems to have channeled the negativity into positivity, letting his performance do the talking. Now, Serena Williams’ childhood coach has also echoed this sentiment.
In the last few months, pros like Nick Kyrgios have called out Sinner. The former World No.13 believes Sinner took the prohibited substance on purpose. But the Italian previously stated that it entered his system when his ex-physio applied a spray containing Clostebol on his own wound and then gave him a massage without gloves. However, Kyrgios has stayed firm in his criticism of the Italian. “Ridiculous – whether it was accidental or planned. You get tested twice with a banned (steroid) substance… you should be gone for 2 years. Your performance was enhanced. Massage cream… Yeah nice,” he said on social media.
Surprisingly, Sinner hasn’t shown any retaliation towards Kyrgios’ comments in any way. So far, he’s been non-reactive in the harsh words he’s received in this case. Taking to X, on Wednesday, Hall of Famer and legendary coach Rick Macci admired Jannik Sinner’s patience and toughness. According to the former American ATP icon, the 2024 US Open winner has focused more on answering through his on-court performances rather than indulging in a war of words. “He has proven that he can take a verbal punch from players and journalists.” Macci wrote. “All these yesterdays of darts in the back has made the Italian Flamethrower stronger and even more determined to stay on the attack. @janniksin,” he concluded.
He has proven that he can take a verbal punch from players and journalists. All these yesterdays of darts in the back has made the Italian Flamethrower stronger and even more determined to stay on the attack. @janniksin
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) January 8, 2025
Apart from Kyrgios, even Danis Shapovalov had criticized Sinner after he was cleared by the ITIA. The agency, in its verdict from last year, had stated “no significant fault or negligence” on World No.1’s part. As a result, Sinner didn’t get a ban despite testing positive. On the contrary, he was cleared to keep playing on the tour level. Later, Shapovalov wrote on X, “Can’t imagine what every other player that got banned for contaminated substances is feeling right now.” In another post, he claimed “Different rules for different players” while suggesting preferential treatment to Sinner due to his top-ranked status.
However, ITIA’s chief Karen Moorehouse denied such claims saying, “It’s the same rules and the same processes for every player. All cases are different and each case turns on individual facts. Cases can also be quite complex, so it isn’t right to look at two headlines and draw comparisons between two cases as the detail is always the key part.”
Coming back to Rick Macci’s thoughts on Sinner, it’s not the first time he has come forward in support of the 2024 Davis Cup champion.
When Rick Macci strongly defended Jannik Sinner following backlash in the doping controversy
Last year, when Kyrgios and many tennis fans were continuously urging for a ban on Sinner, Macci shared his honest thoughts. He voiced his disapproval of a ban and said, “Each situation is different. Not one size fits all.” Continuing further, he added, “Sinner incident is documented and the explanation is understandable. Flamethrower should NOT be banned 1 second. Experts who decide fate need to breathe and see if what they have taken on purpose or mistake enhances performance”
For the unversed, an independent panel, appointed by the ITIA, had investigated Sinner’s case. Later, the panel found no major evidence to prove that the 23-year-old took Clostebol on purpose. Despite getting a clean chit from the ITIA, Sinner faced another hurdle before the end of last season. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) went on to appeal against the verdict to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS). As of now, a final decision on Sinner’s doping case is yet to come by the CAS. It’s likely to come by late February, as reported by Tennis World USA on December 20.
Meanwhile, the World No.1 is paying no heed to any kind of backlash. His only focus remains on the upcoming Australian Open, kickstarting this Sunday. The defending champion will look to emerge victorious once again while adding a third Grand Slam trophy to his cabinet.
Last year, he succeeded in winning the title after conquering Daniil Medvedev in the final. The latter gained an early advantage in the first two sets. However, the Italian came back strongly and won the championship with a scoreline of 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. 6-3. Do you think Sinner will remain unbeaten in Melbourne this time as well? Let us know in the comments below.
The post Jannik Sinner’s Determination Amid Doping Saga Stuns Serena Williams’ Childhood Coach as He Dishes Out Honest Take appeared first on EssentiallySports.
