Nearly a year after Jannik Sinner’s doping controversy broke out, the scars from the incident are still fresh in the minds of his fans. While he was at the top of his game, news broke out that Sinner had failed several doping tests, leaving the tennis world in shock. Although Sinner bore “no fault or negligence” for the two violations of the TADP, he eventually got handed a three-month ban, which he served earlier this year. However, he blamed his team, with Giacomo Naldi, his former physio, also being involved in the controversy. Months after that fiasco, Naldi finally broke his silence in this matter.
Following the doping scandal, Sinner parted ways with Naldi, and the incident also profoundly affected the physio. Later, revelations came in that a banned substance, Clostebol, had entered Sinner’s body through massages from Naldi, albeit inadvertently. However, it left Naldi dejected with how the events panned out, and he opened up about this controversy.
He said, “I never wanted to comment on what happened with the Sinner team, and I will continue not to do so. Even though it was a case that hurt me, both humanly and professionally. Everyone knows how things unfolded, and those who don’t can go read the verdict… With Jannik, even during the proceedings, we always had a good relationship. I always acted correctly; I never sought publicity.”
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Further, he added, “We talked, it was cordial, we shared private things. Beyond everything, the human relationship remains after a case that involved us, and it was just an unfortunate series of coincidences, and we are aware of that.”
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Meanwhile, Sinner removed fitness coach Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio from his camp. With no full-time trainers working with him while he was winning Wimbledon, he rehired Umberto Ferrara, with whom he had parted ways during the controversy, along with Naldi. The Italian tennis player received a three-month ban in February in an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency. After that, WADA appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against an independent tribunal’s decision to clear Sinner. They later cleared him of fault or negligence.
Yet, ahead of the US Open Swing, he reversed his decision and reappointed Ferrara. He blamed the incident on Naldi and later worked with Matteo Berrettini this year. Thus, Sinner and Ferrara’s reunion appeared to be surprising.
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Reasons for Jannik Sinner’s reunion with Umberto Ferrara
With Sinner reaching the business end of almost every tournament, his schedule was bound to be hectic. Thus, he was in dire need of a fitness coach and a physiotherapist who could help him rejuvenate after his matches. Moreover, Sinner had removed his then-fitness coach, Panichi, and Badio from his team and had no permanent member in this position. After careful consideration, the Italian star reappointed Ferrara.
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Sinner’s team announced this decision in a statement: “The decision has been made in alignment with Jannik’s management team as part of ongoing preparations for upcoming tournaments, including the Cincinnati Open and U.S. Open. Umberto has played an important role in Jannik’s development to date, and his return reflects a renewed focus on continuity and performance at the highest level.”
Although he reached the US Open final this time, he couldn’t come away with a victory against Carlos Alcaraz. However, with the doping incident behind him, Sinner focuses solely on winning tournaments. He plays in the China Open and has reached the second round after a comfortable win over Marin Cilic. It’ll be interesting to see if the Italian star can finish his season on a high.