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World No.1 Jannik Sinner has decided to part ways with his trainer Umberto Ferrara and physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi just ahead of the 2024 US Open in New York. The news, announced on Friday, August 23, follows a recent controversy where Sinner tested positive for a banned substance but managed to avoid a suspension. Despite this incident, Sinner remains one of the top contenders for the US Open, having already claimed his first Grand Slam title earlier this year in Australia.
Sinner Ends Relationship with Trainers
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) revealed on Tuesday that Sinner had tested positive for clostebol, a prohibited substance, during the Indian Wells Masters on March 10. A second sample taken eight days later, outside of competition, also detected low levels of the same substance. Sinner explained that the clostebol came from a spray used by one of his staff members to treat a cut on his finger.
The ITIA accepted this explanation, determining that the substance’s presence was unintentional. Darren Cahill, Sinner’s coach, clarified in an interview with ESPN that the physio involved was Giacomo Naldi, who had been provided the over-the-counter spray by physical trainer Umberto Ferrara.
Cahill mentioned that while it’s unclear how exactly Naldi caused the contamination, it could have happened during a foot massage or similar treatment. He emphasized that there was never any intention on Sinner’s part to gain an unfair advantage through the use of a banned substance.
“We’re not seeking sympathy because we’re thankful there’s no ban,” Cahill said. “But I want to highlight that Jannik is an outstanding young man, incredibly professional. He would never intentionally do anything wrong. This is just an unfortunate situation, and the truth has come out, showing there was no fault or negligence.”
Cahill expressed his regret that Sinner had to endure this ordeal, saying, “I feel really bad for him that he has to go through this because he doesn’t deserve it.”
