Jannik Sinner's coach makes subtle dig at Novak Djokovic following his comments on the Wimbledon champion's doping charge

Darren Cahill’s public defence of Jannik Sinner after Novak Djokovic’s critical interview could steady betting markets and shorten Sinner’s odds at the ATP Finals. Punters may favour Sinner in a Turin semi or back him to reach the final, but should size stakes cautiously — consider match bets or hedges given recent controversy and form swings.

Darren Cahill Gives a Subtle Rebuttal After Djokovic's Comments

Darren Cahill moved to defend Jannik Sinner on social media after Novak Djokovic publicly questioned how Sinner’s doping case was handled. Cahill shared a philosophical quote on Instagram and appended a prayer-hands emoji and a thumbs-up, signaling support for his young charge amid renewed scrutiny.

What Cahill Posted

Cahill posted a quote about opinion and empathy, underlining a message that implied criticism should be tempered by understanding. The Australian coach, who will step back from his role with Sinner at the end of next season, has repeatedly backed the 24-year-old through the fallout from the positive tests.

Djokovic's Interview and the Sinner Case

Novak Djokovic, speaking in a recent high-profile interview, said he saw “red flags” in how Sinner’s doping matter was handled and criticised inconsistencies and timing. Sinner returned two positive tests in March 2024 for the banned steroid clostebol. Tennis authorities accepted an explanation that the substance entered his body after a massage administered by his physio, who had been using a topical medication to treat a cut finger. The player served a three-month ban after a settlement with anti-doping officials.

Season Snapshot: Results and Rivalries

Sinner won the Australian Open earlier in the year and later lifted his first Wimbledon crown, but he also lost key matches to Carlos Alcaraz — including finals at Rome and the US Open — and was sidelined for parts of the clay-court season. The year’s form swings have set up high-stakes showdowns at the ATP Finals in Turin, where Sinner is scheduled to face Alex de Minaur in the semi-final.

Turin Semis and Possible Matchups

If Sinner progresses, he could meet Carlos Alcaraz in a repeat of their Grand Slam finals duel. Alcaraz must first get past either Alexander Zverev or Felix Auger-Aliassime to reach a potential final showdown with Sinner.

Betting Implications for Punters

Cahill’s visible backing may reassure bookmakers and bettors, potentially shortening Sinner’s odds in Turin markets. Punters should weigh: - Match bets: Backing Sinner in the semi may offer better value than long-term futures, given the immediate form and matchup variables. - Futures vs. match stakes: Consider smaller stakes on ATP Finals title markets and use hedges if markets shift after lineups are confirmed. - Monitor injury, mindset and court conditions: Off-court distractions can influence performance, so adjust stakes as lineups and warm-up reports arrive.

Jannik Sinner speaks out after 'slapping Italian sport in the face' with huge snub

Outlook

Cahill’s intervention keeps the spotlight on Sinner but also reinforces team unity heading into the season’s final big event. For fans and bettors alike, Turin represents both a sporting test and a market moment — form, matchups and narrative will all shape the odds in the days ahead.

The Serbian serial champion sat down with Morgan for a far-reaching interview this week where the pair discussed, among other topics, the impact of the world No 2's doping charges.

Mail Online