- Following a doping controversy, Sinner decides to part ways with his handlers.
Jannik Sinner is dealing with personal repercussions following the controversy surrounding his exoneration after two doping violations before the US Open. He announced at a press conference that he has ended his partnership with trainer Umberto Ferrara and physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi.
In a candid confession, the 23-year-old expressed, "Due to these blunders, I can't muster the faith to carry on working with them. I've been battling numerous challenges recently, and now that the verdict is out, I just need some time to breathe."
Legendary tennis player Boris Becker commended the decision over X, labeling it "a smart choice."
Following two positive tests in March for the prohibited anabolic steroid Clostebol and a provisional ban, Sinner was vindicated by an impartial tribunal, as per the tennis regulatory body ITIA. Sinner argued convincingly that the banned substance was ingested due to a massage.
Reports surfaced that Naldi had wounded his finger and treated it with Trofodermin spray, which contains Clostebol. Naldi had obtained this from Ferrara. Sinner expressed gratitude towards both for their two-year collaboration, acknowledging it as a challenging period for him and his team - "and it still is."
The Sinner case management by governing bodies is a hot topic at this year's concluding Grand Slam tournament. Alexander Zverev maintains that his amicable relationship with one of his main rivals remains unscathed. "I don't have a viewpoint on this as I am not privy to enough information," stated the 2021 tennis Olympian in New York. "Jannik is a fantastic individual I know off the court. Our relationship has always been strong, and that won't falter."
Zverev found one aspect "a tad peculiar": the ITIA's public disclosure of the acquittal and positive tests, occurring within the same day. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) intends to scrutinize the decision meticulously and retains the authority to challenge it at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, if necessary.
Sinner, as the top-seeded player, will commence at the US Open, commencing on Monday. He recently clinched the Masters-1000 tournament and triumphed over Zverev in the semifinals en route to the title.
After ending his partnerships due to loss of faith, Sinner mentioned needing time to recover from recent challenges and the controversy's outcome. Focusing on his upcoming US Open debut as the top seed, Sinner aims to maintain his form and continue his winning streak.
