The world of professional tennis is often fraught with high-stakes decisions, and recent revelations surrounding Jannik Sinner’s coaching staff shake-up shed light on deeper issues than initially reported.
While Sinner initially downplayed the reasons for parting ways with fitness trainer Darragh Panichi and physiotherapist Alexandro Badio, it has since come to light that the Italian star was reportedly displeased with certain choices made by Panichi.
Specifically, reports from Corrierra della sera indicate Sinner’s discomfort stemmed from Panichi divulging sensitive team information during interviews, notably after a French Open final where Sinner reportedly shed tears in the locker room, feeling overshadowed by the public support for his rival, Carlos Alcaraz.
Alexandro Badio, Sinner’s physiotherapist, was seemingly caught in the crossfire, becoming a “collateral victim” in the split due to his professional association with Panichi, as the duo often worked as a package deal and had previously been part of another prominent player’s team.
Panichi’s alleged resistance to team protocols, particularly those restricting coaches from public statements without authorization, appears to be a recurring issue, with reports suggesting he was “talking too much” during his nine-month tenure with Sinner, creating an environment of mistrust.
Despite these emerging details, the four-time Major winner himself publicly dismissed suggestions of any significant underlying reasons for the separation upon his arrival at a subsequent tournament without Panichi or Badio, stating, “No, nothing major happened. Nothing big happened. I parted ways not long ago, but it’s not affecting me.”
However, Sinner subtly hinted at issues of trust with his former team members, emphasizing what he would prioritize in a new fitness coach and physiotherapist, suggesting a desire for discretion and reliability within his inner circle.
In a noteworthy development, Sinner has since re-engaged his former fitness trainer, Ferrara, who was previously involved in an incident where Sinner was inadvertently exposed to a banned substance. This prior contamination occurred when Sinner’s then-physio, Giacomo Naldi, used a clostebol-containing spray, purchased by Ferrara, and then massaged Sinner without gloves, highlighting the paramount importance of a trustworthy and meticulous support team.
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