Jannik Sinner’s coach Darren Cahill says anti-doping saga took a toll

The coach of the world No. 1 has made a bold statement that will not be music to the ears of his rivals ahead of another grand slam final appearance.

Jannik Sinner’s coach Darren Cahill concedes the anti-doping breach saga has taken a toll on his Australian Open campaign, but believes the world No. 1 can continue to block out the noise ahead of Sunday’s final against Alexander Zverev.

Cahill, a decorated Australian coach who plans to retire at the end of the year, said Sinner was not immune to the speculation around a possible suspension as he awaits a closed-door hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport headquarters in April.

WADA is appealing the decision not to ban the Italian star, after he twice tested positive for the banned steroid clostebol in March last year.

Sinner has maintained his innocence throughout the affair, and Cahill said playing with a “clear conscience” is what had driven his US Open success and run to this year’s final at Melbourne Park.

Jannik Sinner will defend his Australian Open title in the final against world No. 2 Alexander Zverev on Sunday night. Picture: Martin Keep / AFP

Sinner’s proud Australian coach Darren Cahill looks on during his semi-final win over Ben Shelton on Friday. Picture: Martin Keep / AFP

“Nobody’s bulletproof. I think we all have moments when it gets to you a little bit,” Cahill said.

“I think to a large extent, (Sinner) finds playing tennis matches to be his safe place – that’s where he can go and do his thing, and feel like this is what he knows, this is what he understands … and he’s good at.

“There’s been a lot of pressure around him for the last nine months now, since April last year. He deals with it as well as anybody that I’ve ever seen deal with pressure.

“He has a clear conscience with what’s going on. That’s the main reason he’s been able to go onto the court and walk tall, and have that belief and play with the confidence he has.”

An unwell Sinner wilted in the heat as he almost dropped his fourth-round match to Holger Rune this week, but Cahill insisted the Australian conditions brought out his best tennis.

“It’s not easy to come back and defend a major for the first time in your career. He’s had some stuff to deal with … we couldn’t be prouder of the way he’s conducted himself, both on and off the court,” Cahill said.

Sinner after his 2024 US Open win with his coaching team Simone Vagnozzi (centre) and Darren Cahill (right). Picture: Matthew Stockman / Getty Images

“The fight he’s shown, the resilience … I know he’s just 23 years of age, but sometimes it feels like he’s much older and wiser than what we are. He’s an incredible young man.

“It’s no surprise to see him back in the final. I think that his level has been great for a long time now, but his level here in Australia is even better. He loves playing in Australia.”

Cahill, who runs Sinner’s program along with Italian mentor Simone Vagnozzi, warned their player was still improving physically after growing two inches in the last two years.

“Alexander (Zverev) is older, right? He’s a physical beast, he’s put those years of work into his body, he is a great athlete and has a great five-set record,” Cahill said.

“Jannik’s improving. He’s getting better physically, he’s somewhat of a late developer with the body that he has (grown two inches in two years).

“He’s going to get better as time goes along … we don’t have any concern that he’s going to be able to run out five sets, if it needs to be five sets.

“The best player will win, they’re both incredible athletes, it’s the number one and two in the world, so it’s the perfect final as far as the rankings are concerned.”