Jannik Sinner’s former physio speaks of ‘hurt’ as he hits out at media and public for ‘destroying reputations’
Jannik Sinner’s former physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi has broken his silence following the doping saga surrounding the world No 1.
Sinner twice tested positive for the banned steroid clostebol at the Indian Wells Open in March, but he was allowed to continue playing after his urgent appeals were successful.
The two failed tests and subsequent investigation were kept under wraps before it became public this week when the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced that the Italian had been cleared of any wrongdoing and wouldn’t be banned as he bore “no fault or negligence”.
Instead, it was found that an over-the-counter spray used by Naldi to treat a small cut on his own hand caused the contamination when he treated Sinner. The spray was handed to Naldi by trainer Umberto Ferrara.
The news caused a stir in the world of tennis and Sinner confirmed on Friday that both Naldi and Ferrara are no longer part of his team.
Although it has been accepted by the ITIA that Sinner was inadvertently contaminated with the substance, the player and his team have still come under fire and Naldi has hit back on social media.
“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,” he 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!”
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Naldi only joined the Sinner coaching team in February 2023 and the Italian went on to win his maiden Grand Slam at the Australian Open while he also became world No 1 for the first time in June.
The Italian admits it “hurts” that he will no longer be part of the team.
He added: “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, savoured victories and defeats.
“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!'”
