Sinner Stops Working With Fitness Trainer And Physiotherapist After Doping Saga

Jannik Sinner Parts Ways with Fitness Trainer and Physiotherapist Amid Doping Controversy

Jannik Sinner has officially severed ties with his fitness trainer Giacomo Naldi and physiotherapist Umberto Ferrara following their involvement in the Italian tennis star’s two positive tests for a banned substance.

As Sinner gears up for the US Open, he is striving to move past the shocking revelations that he tested positive for the banned substance clostebol on two separate occasions during the Indian Wells Open. While Sinner was cleared of any wrongdoing and avoided suspension, the consequences were still significant: he lost both his ranking points and prize money from the tournament. This setback has narrowed his lead as the world’s No. 1 player.

The situation has sparked controversy and divided opinions within the tennis community. Some players and fans have expressed dissatisfaction with how the case was handled, particularly the decision to keep it private for five months. Denis Shapovalov criticized the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) for allegedly treating players differently based on their status.

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander also voiced his concerns, criticizing the handling of the case. While Wilander believes that Sinner’s positive tests were likely a result of a genuine mistake, he speculated that the ITIA’s decision to keep the case private may have been influenced by Sinner’s status as the world’s top-ranked player.

On the other hand, there are those who dismiss the notion of any bias in favor of the 23-year-old Italian. Andy Roddick, for instance, emphasized that the rules were followed in Sinner’s case, and he dismissed suspicions that Sinner may have been doping during the Australian Open.

Despite differing opinions on the matter, there is a broad consensus that Naldi and Ferrara acted carelessly. Their actions have now led to serious consequences, as it has been officially confirmed that Sinner is no longer working with either of them.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Sinner’s decision to part ways with Naldi and Ferrara was directly related to their involvement in the positive tests, with no other external factors influencing the decision. This separation was not sudden; the pair had already stopped working with Sinner for several weeks before the news became public, with a few observant fans noting their absence.

The incident that led to the positive tests occurred when Ferrara purchased an over-the-counter spray called Trofodermin to treat a cut on Naldi’s finger. Unbeknownst to Sinner, the spray contained traces of clostebol, a banned substance. Sinner explained to the ITIA that he was unaware Naldi was using a spray containing clostebol, and as a result, he allowed Naldi to give him massages without gloves, assuming there was no risk involved.

Unfortunately, the use of the spray meant that clostebol was present on Naldi’s hands during the massages, leading to the substance entering Sinner’s system through a cut. Sinner’s explanation was ultimately accepted by the ITIA, which cleared him of any intentional wrongdoing.

Despite the strong professional relationship that Sinner shared with Naldi and Ferrara, the decision to part ways was inevitable. Continuing to work with them would have subjected Sinner to ongoing scrutiny, and it would have been difficult for him to rebuild trust with the two men. The controversy surrounding the positive tests made it clear that Sinner needed to make a change.

As a result of their involvement in this incident, Naldi and Ferrara may find it challenging to secure future high-profile positions in the world of tennis. The fallout from this controversy has left a significant mark on their careers, and it is uncertain what lies ahead for them.

Sinner’s decision to part ways with his fitness trainer and physiotherapist underscores the seriousness of the situation and his commitment to moving forward with a clean slate. As he prepares for the next chapter in his career, the Italian star will be focused on rebuilding trust and continuing to compete at the highest level in the sport.