Jannik Sinner has made a fresh alteration to his coaching staff in an effort to renew his team and move on from the turmoil that surrounded him heading into the US Open.
Having parted ways with physiotherapist Giacomo Nardi, after the Italian was handed the bulk of the blame for Sinner’s positive drug test, a fresh vacancy had opened up that needed filling ahead of the Asian swing of the ATP.
However, his remarkable run to win the final Grand Slam of the year suggested that, with or without someone in this role, he is due to thrive.
But, with Sinner having announced two new coaches now, once again his coaching staff are whole again, adding a fitness coach alongside a new physiotherapist.
Ironically enough, both Marco Panichi and Ulises Badio had previously worked with Novak Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic reacts to Jannik Sinner’s new coaches
So, with that in mind, it’s worth outlining how the legendary Serbian reacted to the decision to part ways with the former Italian.
After all, these could well be credited with the remarkable longevity of Djokovic, who remains as competitive today as a 37-year-old superstar as he did five years earlier.
Taking to Instagram to comment on Panichi particularly, he wrote back in April: ‘Grande Marco, 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. 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 and I will see you soon in Roma. Forzaaaa.’
Jannik Sinner could add the final string to his bow
Were it not for fitness and health issues this year, it’s arguable that Jannik Sinner might well have dominated even more than he already has done.
After all, having already won two Grand Slam titles as well as a few Masters 1000 events, there were also other high-profile tournaments that he was either forced to miss or struggled through.
At Roland Garros, a hip injury saw him severely hampered against Carlos Alcaraz as he lost in five sets in the semi-final.
Then, in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon, another five-set defeat came at Daniil Medvedev’s hands, with illness this time plaguing the 23-year-old.
These mark two of just five losses he has been dealt all season, before Sinner was then forced to completely miss the Olympics with tonsillitis.
Should he sort his injury and health issues out, it’s frightening to think how much better he can become. Hopefully, this Italian pairing can work their magic and turn their compatriot into the kind of machine that Djokovic has become.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
