Jannik Sinner Shocks Tennis World by Hiring Djokovic’s Ex-Fitness Coach—Is This His Secret Weapon After Doping Controversy?

Jannik Sinner has brought on board Marco Panichi, former fitness coach to Novak Djokovic, following the world number one’s clearance after two positive tests for a banned substance.

“Welcome to the team,” Sinner announced on social media, sharing a photo with Panichi and new physiotherapist Ulises Badio. The duo replaces Umberto Ferrara and Giacomo Naldi, whom Sinner parted ways with prior to his US Open victory.

Sinner previously explained that the traces of clostebol found in his system came from a spray used by a member of his team to treat a cut finger. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted this explanation, prompting a fierce backlash from players, including Australian Nick Kyrgios.

Panichi has an impressive track record, having worked with Italian Fabio Fognini, German Angelique Kerber, and China’s Li Na before joining Djokovic’s team from 2019 until earlier this year.