Jannik Sinner was on a high after winning the Cincinnati Masters, but the Italian is now under stressful baggage because of the recent doping saga. Although the authorities decided to hand him a clean chit out of the case, the backlash he received from the tennis community as well as the fans was enough to turn his morale down. In light of these events, Sinner has now made a tough decision, which could probably have a direct impact on his US Open campaign.

The world’s top-ranked tennis player has decided to part ways with his athletic trainer, Umberto Ferrara, and physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi. While the separation from these two key members of his team was not easy, these were the two names under the scanner after the recent doping saga unfolded.

Sinner faced a major challenge when he tested positive for Clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid, during two separate doping tests in March. The substance was detected in both an in-competition test on March 10 and an out-of-competition test on March 18. Sinner’s team quickly acted to clear his name by arguing that the Clostebol entered his system accidentally through a medicated spray called Trofodermin. This spray came in contact with him as his physio Naldi treated him without gloves, after applying the spray on his own cut mark.

Sinner’s appeals turned out to be successful and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted his explanation. The authority ruled that the player bore no fault or negligence. However, the controversy apparently impacted the trust within his team, which eventually provoked the World No. 1 to make difficult changes to his coaching team.

The departure of Ferrara and Naldi makes it clear that Sinner is affected by the massive backlash that he is facing. Ahead of the US Open, the Italian is looking for a way out of this controversy, so that he can enter the last Grand Slam of the season in a better frame of mind.

Jannik Sinner’s coach explains the emotional toll on the young champ

Jannik Sinner, like all other top-ranked players, has initiated his practice sessions at the US Open. Although his competitors Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz were seen having fun with legends Andre Agassi and John McEnroe in New York, the young Italian indulged in a practice session. However, disappointment was evident on his face.

The last few days have been quite disturbing for Sinner. His coach Darren Cahill stepped forward to explain how it has marked a terrible time in his career. “He’s been the one who’s suffered through this the most and he’s the one that’s also had to get out there and play tennis and play tennis tournaments,” Cahill said.

“It’s been really, really difficult for him and I take my hat off to him that he’s been able to get some of the results that he has but there have been days where you can see that he’s physically and emotionally he’s been challenged on the court,” the renowned coach further added, highlighting that the recent developments have taken a toll on the Australian Open champion.

As Sinner’s team looks forward to making the best out of what they are left with, after the sacking of Naldi and Ferrara, it remains to be seen if the doping controversy affects the Italian’s game at the upcoming US Open.