Boris Becker thinks he knows the real reason why Jannik Sinner split with two members of his team before Wimbledon

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Jannik Sinner made a shocking decision before Wimbledon that nobody was expecting.

Just days before the tournament began, Sinner split with two members of his coaching team, Marco Panichi and Ulises Badio.

Physiotherapist Panichi and fitness trainer Badio had joined Sinner’s team less than a year ago, and had helped him win two Grand Slam titles, at the US Open in 2024 and at the Australian Open in 2025.

During his pre-tournament press conference, Sinner addressed the split and claimed ‘nothing major happened’ between them.

However, one tennis legend isn’t convinced, as he thinks he knows the real reason why Panichi and Badio left the team.

Boris Becker thinks there was a ‘trust issue’ between Jannik Sinner and Marco Panichi

During the latest episode of the Becker Petkovic podcast, former world number one Boris Becker gave his verdict on Sinner’s coaching changes.

“He separated from his physio and his fitness trainer. Two or three days before his first round,” he said.

“Something happened, and he always holds back a lot. Just saying, it was a trust issue.

“It was about trust. I know that the Italian physio [Marco Panichi], like most Italians, likes to chat and tell a few stories. I don’t know if that was what [Jannik] Sinner had in mind.

“I don’t have exact information, but I could imagine that was the reason.”

The German suggested what may have happened between Halle and Wimbledon, which led to Sinner making a decision.

“His physio, I mean, both were with Novak Djokovic for a long time. They just got together last year in September, in the Sinner team,” said Becker.

“So something must have happened between Halle and Wimbledon that made Sinner lose his temper and say, ‘I can’t go to Wimbledon with this team’. This isn’t optimal preparation; this isn’t an optimal team.

“But, I mean, Sinner is a professional; he’ll make the best of it.”

Becker’s co-host, Andrea Petkovic, agreed, as she revealed she’s heard similar rumours around the grounds at Wimbledon.

“Yeah, I heard exactly the same thing here at Wimbledon. I was at the facility yesterday. I talked to a few Italian colleagues, they hinted at something similar to what you indicated, Boris [Becker], that the fitness trainer, I think he likes to give interviews and talk,” she said.

“Jannik is a very, very reserved guy and doesn’t like it at all when people talk about his stuff in public.

“I’ve heard that too, take it with a grain of salt, but it’s rumored behind the scenes.

“Until Jannik himself comments on this, of course, this cannot be officially confirmed. But I’ve heard something similar to you, and if we both hear that, then we can probably go in that direction.”

Sinner may not have had the best of preparations leading into Wimbledon, but that certainly didn’t affect him in his opening match, as he produced another dominant display.

Jannik Sinner eases into round two of Wimbledon with straight-sets win

Taking on his countryman Luca Nardi in the first round, Sinner won in straight sets 6-4, 6-3, 6-0.

The world number one was dominant, as he bounced back from a tough loss at the Halle Open, reminding fans why he is one to look out for at Wimbledon in 2025.

Sinner didn’t face a single break point against the 21-year-old as he booked his place in the second round without too much trouble.

The world number one will now get set to take on Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic in the second round, who beat Chun-hsin Tseng in four sets.

Sinner and Vukic have played twice before on the ATP Tour, with the former picking up the win on both occasions.

• 2022 Sofia Open QF – Jannik Sinner beat Aleksandar Vukic, 6-2, 6-3
• 2021 Melbourne 1 2R – Jannik Sinner beat Aleksandar Vukic, 6-2, 6-4

Yet to drop a set against the 29-year-old, Sinner will no doubt look to extend that streak when they face off for a place in the third round on Thursday, July 3.