Jannik Sinner, the world’s top-ranked tennis player, has bolstered his team with the addition of trainer Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio. The announcement comes after Sinner’s recent triumph at the US Open, his second Grand Slam title of the season.
Panichi and Badio bring a wealth of experience to Team Sinner, having previously worked with Novak Djokovic. Badio parted ways with Djokovic after the 2022 season, while Panichi left in May.
Sinner’s decision to add Panichi and Badio to his team follows a tumultuous period in which he tested positive for the anabolic steroid clostebol twice in March. While an independent tribunal found that the substance entered his system unintentionally, Sinner lost trust in his former trainer and physiotherapist, who were the sources of the banned substance.
The 23-year-old Italian is currently enjoying a stellar season, with a 55-5 record and a commanding lead in the race for ATP year-end No. 1. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency could still appeal the decision that exonerated him to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Panichi and Badio join coaches Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill in the new-look Team Sinner. Panichi recently began working with 19-year-old Jerry Shang, who reached the third round of the US Open.
Sinner’s decision to add experienced professionals to his team is a testament to his commitment to maintaining his dominance in the sport. With a strong support system in place, he will aim to continue his winning ways and cement his status as one of the world’s top players.
