Daniel Vallverdu thinks the public’s criticism is pointed at the wrong direction as Grigor Dimitrov’s coach suggests the anti-doping agencies should be receiving the heat instead of Jannik Sinner.
After the ITIA conclusively said that the Italian bore no fault or negligence for two failed doping tests, the WADA still lodged an appeal into that ruling.
While the two parties ultimately didn’t go to the CAS, the top-ranked male player still got suspended after settling on a three-month doping ban.
Since the doping news first came to light in August, a lot has been said about the case and Sinner has received the most criticism and backlash.
Even now, some don’t want to let the Italian off the hook by claiming that he was treated differently than some others.
Vallverdu: The real losers are Sinner & tennis, focus on the anti-doping agencies
“After giving it some days to digest the reaction from the tennis world regarding @janniksin 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,” Vallverdu wrote on X.
The coach, who also worked with Andy Murray in the past, insists the Italian doesn’t deserve to be in this position.
“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,” the Venezuelan coach added.
“I know JS since he’s 14yrs old and I’m comfortable to say that he is 100% not at fault.”
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.— Daniel Vallverdu (@danielvallverdu) February 23, 2025
In another X post, Vallverdu concluded by saying that “there should have never been a ban here.”
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. 🦊🎾💪🏻— Daniel Vallverdu (@danielvallverdu) February 23, 2025
Tennis World USA