Jannik Sinner has confirmed that he has parted ways with fitness coach Umberto Ferrara and physio Giacomo Naldi after avoiding a ban over two failed drug tests.
It was revealed on Tuesday that world No 1 Sinner failed two anti-doping tests in March but has been absolved of fault or negligence by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
The ITIA accepted Sinner’s explanation that the banned substance clostebol, an anabolic agent that can aid muscle growth, had accidentally entered his system via a product one of his team had used to treat a small wound.
Both samples yielded trace amounts of clostebol but he was able to continue playing on the ATP Tour after successfully challenging a provisional suspension – he managed to win tournaments in Halle and Cincinnati.
“They [Ferrara and Naldi] have been a huge part of my career. We worked together for two years. We made an incredible job, bringing a lot of success and then having a great team behind me,” said the Italian during his pre-tournament press conference on Friday.
“Now, because of these mistakes, I’m not feeling that confident to continue with them. The only thing I just need right now, just some clean air. I was struggling a lot in the last months. Now I was waiting for the result, and now I just need some clean air.”
Sinner said he knew he was innocent but still worried about what the case’s outcome would be until finding out he wouldn’t be suspended
Sinner, who won his first Grand Slam trophy in January at the Australian Open, claims he is innocent but is now concerned about his reputation within the game.
“For me, I always believe that I kept playing tennis because in my mind I knew that I haven’t done anything wrong. I knew that I was very clean, and I knew that I was always very looking forward to be a fair player,” he said.
“Obviously this might change a couple of things, but whoever knows me very well knows that I haven’t done and I would never do something that goes against the rules.
“It has been a very tough moment for me and my team. It still is, because it’s quite fresh.”
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Sinner defeated Frances Tiafoe in straight sets to claim the Cincinnati Open title
He added: “I know who is my friend and who is not my friend because my friends, they know that I would never do that, and sticking together.
“About the reputation, we will see now moving forward because I can’t really control this.”
Frances Tiafoe, who lost to Sinner in the Cincinnati Open final, was asked about the news during his press conference with the American saying: “He’s an incredible player, and, you know, (governing) bodies made a decision. They went and did that; he’s cleared to play. That’s pretty much what I have to say about it.
“All the best to him in the US Open.”
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