At the end of August, Jannik Sinner parted ways with his physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi and athletic trainer Umberto Ferrara following a doping controversy that shook his team. The incident, which had emerged just days prior, ignited a wave of speculation and criticism, leading Sinner to make the difficult decision to dismiss two key members of his staff. Although Sinner publicly acknowledged their importance in his career, he confirmed their departure, explaining that the decision was part of a long process with unavoidable deadlines.
“It was a tough time for me and my staff, and it still is,” Sinner said, reflecting on the turmoil. “I had to make decisions within certain timeframes that didn’t depend on me.” While he expressed gratitude for their contributions, Sinner made it clear that distancing himself from the situation was necessary.
Naldi, in particular, faced intense backlash on social media, with many accusing him of negligence that could have led to Sinner’s disqualification. Speaking at the presentation of the Open Food Factory project, Naldi opened up about those challenging moments but refrained from providing detailed explanations due to the ongoing investigation. “I’m fine, but like everyone else, I’m sorry for what happened,” Naldi said. “I can’t say much right now, but I hope that sooner or later, I can share what really happened to give a clearer picture, as anyone who has read the verdict would understand.”
Despite the professional fallout, Naldi shared that his personal relationship with Sinner remained amicable. He recounted an anecdote following the announcement of his paternity, saying, “Jannik wrote to me, and he was kind, as was the rest of the staff.” However, Naldi admitted that he had also received harsh criticism, saying, “I’ve read and heard things that weren’t nice, but that’s part of the game.”
The doping issue involving the world number 1 left Sinner with no choice but to take swift action to protect his career and reputation. As a result, he has since rebuilt his team, hiring new professionals to fill the void left by Naldi and Ferrara. Sinner appointed Ulises Badio as his new physiotherapist and Marco Panichi as his new trainer, both of whom have already been accompanying him in tournaments.
The case remains under review, with a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) expected no sooner than 2025. In the meantime, Sinner is focused on moving forward with his new team and maintaining his position at the top of the tennis world.
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