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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 Clostebol 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.
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"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," he said.
He also gave instances of his competitive attitude and assured that he would join Formula 1 sooner or later.
"People have no idea how competitive Jannik is at everything, from cards to go-karts... at everything. If we're playing tennis and I score a point, he looks at me resentfully. You have no idea how much he'd like to be a Formula 1 driver… he's really crazy about the sport, it's his dream!" he added.
Jannik Sinner concluded his 2024 season with the Davis Cup title with the Italian team.
Jannik Sinner's coach Simone Vagnozzi silenced insiders and tennis enthusiasts who claimed his ban period was advantageous
After Jannik Sinner returned in the running for the Italian Open title, several tennis insiders noted that the brief hiatus was possibly advantageous for Sinner, skill-wise. His coach, Simone Vagnozzi, denounced the claims as a 'joke'.
"I was surprised to read some statements, even from insiders, about the possibility that the three-month disqualification could ultimately be an advantage for Jannik… let’s not joke," he said (via an Italian media).
He further added:
"If that were the case, why did no one ever think of stopping for all that time? We tried to manage the situation as best we could."
The 23-year-old parted ways with his physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi and trainer Umberto Ferrara for the casualty that led to his doping ban.
