Jannik Sinner’s ex-physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi has decided to say a thing or two about the doping drama surrounding the Italian tennis superstar, suggesting that the authorities made the right verdict but that it’s the media who is pushing some narratives that are intended to damage his but also the 23-year-old’s reputation.
After failing two doping tests in March for a prohibited steroid use, Sinner and his team were able to determine and prove that it got into his system after Naldi used an over-the-counter spray to treat an open wound. But while Sinner avoided getting a ban since the ITIA concluded that he “bore no fault or negligence” and that he was simply a victim of contamination, the entire situation has drawn lots of attention and some pretty negative things have been said about the 2024 Australian Open champion.
When the news initially dropped, even some players voiced their frustration and wondered how he wasn’t at least suspended during the investigation process. And in the wake of everything that happened, Sinner decided to part ways with Naldi and trainer Umberto Ferrara, who was actually the one who brought the product that turned out to be contaminated.
“It’s true that there are two paths to justice: the real one sanctioned by the courts and the (unfortunately more effective) sanctioned by media,” Naldi wrote on Instagram.
“The latter is too often superficial and rarely based on concrete facts, which in this case, by the way, are public. As a spectator, I always wondered what was the purpose of spectacular court cases, if not to judge, create or destroy people and their reputations. Today I’m the protagonist, I have confirmation of this!”
Naldi reflects on his days with Sinner
After hiring Naldi as his physio, Sinner started to elevate his game and ultimately become a Grand Slam champion and the top-ranked player in the game. And while their partnership came to an end in one of the most unfortunate ways possible, Naldi will forever cherist the positive moments he had with Sinner and the rest of the team.
“A year and a half ago I joined a fantastic work group, consisting of good people, great professionals, travel companions. With them I experienced moments of joy and pain, shared emotions, savored victories and defeats,” Naldi added.
“With the people of this group, I have created a strong bond, but most importantly I have been able to achieve historic goals, which have taken us into the history of Italian tennis. I am proud to have been part of this great Team, aware that I gave my all, that I was 100 percent professional but also that I gave more, because when you put your heart into it, it is certain that you give more.
“It hurts to think about not being a part of it anymore, tough not being in the box with you and cheering for Jannik, but I will have to get used to it quickly. Thank you Vagno, Darren, Umbe, Cipo, it was a beautiful journey, an unforgettable story. #Team #1. Thank you Jannik and best of luck, for a great career, you are a champion. ‘Keep hunting!’”
Sinner explains his decision to ditch Naldi, Ferrara
During his pre-tournament press conference at the US Open, Sinner confirmed that it was true that he decided to stop working with Naldi and Ferrara. Explaining that move, the 23-year-old Italian admitted that the trust was broken in that regard and that he would probably had doubts if he continued to collaborate with them.
“Yeah, first, I want to start with that they have been a huge part for my career. We worked together for two years. We made an incredible job, bringing a lot of success and then having a great team behind me,” Sinner said.
“Now, because of these mistakes, I’m not feeling that confident to continue with them. The only thing I just need right now, just some clean air. You know, I was struggling a lot in the last months. Now I was waiting for the result, and now I just need some clean air.”
Meanwhile, Sinner is set to open his US Open campaign by taking on American Mackenzie McDonald, against who he has a 3-0 head-to-head record.
On paper, Sinner is one of the top favorites for the US Open title but many are wondering if the doping saga will have any impact on him at Flushing Meadows.