World No. 1 tennis player Jannik Sinner announced that he has fired his coach and physiotherapist. The decision was made after controversy related to him escaping a ban from competition despite testing positive for a banned substance in March 2024.
The Italian tennis player tested positive for the steroid clostebol, after physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi sprayed an over-the-counter medicine into a cut on his hand before treating Sinner.
Coach Umberto Ferrara was the one who gave Naldi the spray. The steroid clostebol can be used to increase muscle mass.
The Australian Open champion was confirmed not to be at fault, when the independent court accepted Sinner 's explanation that he was accidentally contaminated by Naldi.
The tests were announced on Tuesday (August 20), just 1 day after the 23-year-old tennis player won his fifth title of the year at the Cincinnati Open.
"They (Naldi and Ferrara) have played a huge role in my career," Sinner said at a press conference before the 2024 US Open.
"We've done incredible things, had a lot of success and then have a great team supporting me.
Now, because of these mistakes, I no longer have the confidence to continue. I have been struggling a lot in recent months. I'm waiting for the results. The only thing I need right now is some fresh air."
Sinner's case has created a storm of controversy, considering that other players involved in doping are often suspended during the investigation process.
Sinner repeatedly maintained his innocence and said he was able to continue playing because his team quickly identified the source of the infection.
"The reason why I can play is because we know where the substance is and how it gets into my body," he said, "This is very important, doing this procedure, to let them know And they understood immediately."
When asked if he was concerned about the damage the controversy could cause to his reputation, Sinner said: "In my mind, I know that I did nothing wrong. Anyone who understands I all know that I have never done anything and I will never do anything against the rules.
In terms of reputation, we see progress, right? Because of this, I really can't control it."
Many current and former players have spoken out about the so-called double standard, questioning why Sinner wasn't immediately suspended like the others who tested positive.
Of these, Chris Evert, an ESPN analyst and winner of 18 major titles, said: "I think they protect the top players. I think there is some protection there, more than if you are Joe Smith, ranked 400 in the world".
Frances Tiafoe - the last player to face Sinner before the news broke out, avoided getting into controversy.
"Government agencies do what they have to do. Obviously, he was cleared to play and that's the important thing. I'm just trying to focus on the US Open," he said.
