Jannik Sinner‘s recent doping controversy sparked widespread discussion. Though he blamed his trainer and physiotherapist for the incident and dismissed them, he quickly replaced them with former members of Novak Djokovic’s team: fitness coach Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio. Sinner has now explained his decision to bring on these experienced individuals.

On Sunday, Jannik Sinner staged a remarkable comeback victory on Sunday to reach the fourth round of the Rolex Shanghai Masters. In a hard-fought match against Tomas Martin Etcheverry, Sinner prevailed 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-2.In the post-match presser, he was asked, “You are working with Marco and Ulises right now, both of them used to work with Novak, as we know. I think, in my opinion, you have similar body shape with Novak. Is that why you hire them? is that you want to learning from their experience with Novak or anything?”

The world No. 1, who hired both these team members on September 17th, highlighted their influence, and said, “For sure they have a lot of experience, you know, in working with the world No. 1 for so, so many years. Also together, you know, Marco and Ulises, you know, working together, it’s already a big help, because they know each other very well, which is for me very good, and very important also.”

Following Djokovic’s decision to part ways with coach Goran Ivanisevic after a five-year collaboration, Marco Panichi joined Djoker’s team in 2017. During their partnership, Djokovic achieved 12 of his 24 Grand Slam titles. The association lasted until May of this year. Whereas Djokovic worked with Ulises Badio from 2017 to 2022.

“We have some similarities, me and Novak, but at the end, we are still different. We have to try to adapt whatever is best for me, and trying to understand,” Sinner further explained in the interview. Looking at the physical dynamics of the players from two different generations, Djokovic and Sinner’s stature is almost the same, (6’2-6’3). Besides that, both players rely on a similar right-handed (two-handed backhand), helping them generate solid return numbers. With these factors drawing a line of similarities between the two, the list of differences is quite huge. Sinner, who began his trail of grand slam titles at the age of 23, is far behind the Serb who earned his first one in 2008 when he was just 20.

Sinner’s impressive performance in Shanghai continues a successful season that includes his 250th career win and a pursuit of his seventh title. His next opponent will be either Ben Shelton or Roberto Carballes Baena. Djokovic has been a consistent supporter of Sinner, even during his most challenging times.

Novak Djokovic backs Jannik Sinner amid the doping controversy

The case emerges from Sinner’s positive tests for traces of the banned steroid Clostebol earlier this year. Although the Italian was cleared of intentional wrongdoing by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) in August, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is seeking a two-year ban, with the appeal waiting to be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Novak Djokovic stepped forward to voice his concerns as to how the situation is damaging the image of tennis:

“Well, I think it’s quite obvious that we have a system that is not working well. So, I guess that’s probably something that even the people who are not following our sport are realizing.” Djokovic highlighted that the current system is filled with inconsistencies and too many regulatory bodies which makes it more confusing for athletes. “…just this whole case is not helping our sport at all.”

Despite the legal battle hanging over Sinner, Djokovic appreciated the young champ’s will to continue performing at a high level. “I think he has won the three appeals so far that he had, and, you know, it must be very tough for him and his team and family,” Djokovic said. As the saga goes on, only time will determine the US Open champion’s fate.