World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has announced that he has fired his coach and physiotherapist. The decision came after controversy over his escape from the ban despite a positive test result for banned substances in March 2024.
The Italian tennis player tested positive for steroid clostebol, after physical therapist Giacomo Naldi sprayed an over-the-counter medication on his hand cut before treating Sinner.
Coach umberto Ferrara was the one who gave Naldi the spray. clostebol steroids can be used to increase muscle mass.
The Australian Open champion was found not guilty, as an independent court accepted Sinner's explanation that he had been accidentally contaminated with this substance by Naldi.
The tests were released on Tuesday (September 20), just one day after the 23-year-old won his fifth title of the year at the Cincinnati Open.
Theyve played a big part in my career, Sinner said at his press conference ahead of the 2024 US Open.
"We did incredible things, brought a lot of success and then there was a great team that supported me.
Now, because of these mistakes, I am no longer confident to continue. I have struggled a lot in recent months. I am waiting for the result. The only thing I need right now is a little fresh air".
Sinner's case has created a storm of controversy considering that other doping players are often suspended during the investigation.
Sinner has repeatedly maintained his innocence and said he can continue playing because his team has quickly determined the cause of the infection.
"The reason I can play is because we know where that substance is and how it goes into my body," he said, "It's very important, do this process, so you let them know and they understand right away."
When asked if he was concerned about the damage the controversy could do to his reputation, Sinner said: "In my mind, I know I did nothing wrong. anyone who knows me well knows that I have never done anything and I will never do anything against the regulations.
In terms of reputation, we see progress, right? Because of this, I really couldn't control it."
Many current and former players have spoken out about the so-called double standard, questioning why Sinner was not immediately suspended like others who tested positive.
Among them, Chris Evert, an analyst at ESPN and a former 18 major winner, said: "I think they protect top players. I think there are some protections there, better than if you were Joe Smith, ranked 400th in the world."
Frances Tiafoe - the last player to face Sinner before the news broke out, avoiding getting into controversy.
"Government agencies do what they have to do. Obviously, he was allowed to play and that was important. I'm just trying to focus on the US Open," he said.
