Jannik Sinner’s coach, Simone Vagnozzi, discussed the Italian’s competitive nature and how difficult it is for him to sit out despite being absolutely healthy. Vagnozzi also shared that the World No. 1 takes an interest in Formula 1 and would try his hand at the sport sooner or later.
Sinner, who tested positive for Closbetol twice in 2024, was initially allowed to compete but later agreed to the terms of CAS after WADA’s appeal and served a doping ban from February 9 to May 4. Having last competed at the 2025 Australian Open, where he defended his title, Sinner missed tennis action for a while before returning to the Italian Open.
On May 9, 2025, the world No 1 will square off against Argentinian Mariano Navone. Ahead of his match, he received support from his coach, Simone Vagnozzi, who noted how difficult it was for the three-time Grand Slam champion to sit out of the competition despite being physically healthy.
For a tennis player, when you’re healthy and can’t compete, it’s the hardest thing. Jannik is a competitive animal… without that, he felt empty. Now he knows he can get back to doing what he loves. The first two matches will be crucial to get back into the swing of things. There will be a bit of a struggle… he’ll have to get dirty, sweat, win, maybe not perfectly at first, and slowly find his rhythm again.”
