Jannik Sinner set to hire Novak Djokovic's ex-fitness coach after parting ways with previous trainer linked to doping controversy - Reports

Jannik Sinner is set to hire Marco Panichi, Novak Djokovic's former fitness coach, according to recent reports. The development comes after the Italian parted ways with his previous fitness trainer, Umberto Ferrara, and physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, amid his doping controversy.

Sinner recently made headlines for winning his second Grand Slam title at the US Open, defeating home favorite Taylor Fritz. However, he drew additional attention for the wrong reasons just before the tournament, when it was revealed that he had failed two doping tests for the banned substance, Clostebol, during the Indian Wells Masters in March.

He was provisionally suspended, but successfully appealed on both occasions, allowing him to continue playing while the tribunal assessed the evidence. The ITIA later accepted his explanation that Clostebol entered his system through Naldi, who had used an over-the-counter spray containing the steroid (bought by Ferrara) to treat his own wound.

Jannik Sinner later fired both of them and now the Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that the World No. 1 has already found their replacements. If the rumors are true, he will join hands with Marco Panichi as his fitness coach. The contenders for his new physiotherapist include Claudio Zimaglia and Andrea Cipolla, though no official confirmation has been made yet.

Panichi and Djokovic had worked together for approximately eight years before their partnership came to an end in April 2024. The Serb took to Instagram to announce the news, expressing his gratitude to the Italian for his years of service.

"What amazing years of collaboration we’ve had. We reached the summit, won titles, broken records. But most of all, I have enjoyed our most “ordinary” days of training in and out of the gym. Endless hours of “carciofini” and laughs that made me feel super motivated to prepare for success," he wrote.

"Grazie Romanista (as Goran calls you) for all the energy, effort and time you invested in making me the best possible player and person I can be. Much love," he added.

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Jannik Sinner on sacking Umberto Ferrara and Giacomo Naldi: "I'm not feeling confident to continue with them"

Jannik Sinner pictured at the 2024 French Open | Image Source: Getty

Jannik Sinner, during a pre-tournament press conference at the recently concluded US Open, discussed his decision to part ways with Giacomo Naldi and Umberto Ferrara.

Despite acknowledging the success they had brought to his team, Sinner explained that he no longer felt "confident" enough to continue working with them, leading to the difficult decision to make a change.

"I want to start with that they have been a huge part for my career," he said. "We worked together for two years. We made an incredible job, bringing a lot of success and then having a great team behind me. Now, because of these mistakes, I'm not feeling that confident to continue with them."

The 23-year-old continued:

"The only thing I just need right now, just some clean air. You know, I was struggling a lot in the last months. Now I was waiting for the result, and now I just need some clean air."