Entertainment
Jannik Sinner’s fired physiotherapist at centre of doping row reveals recent ‘private’ chat
The physiotherapist at the centre of Jannik Sinner’s drug testing controversy has revealed he still has a “cordial” relationship with the world No 2 despite being fired by the four-time Grand Slam champion.
Sinner split with physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi and fitness trainer Umberto Ferrera shortly before the 2024 US Open, after both men were held responsible by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) for the Italian’s failed drugs tests back in March 2024.
The four-time major champion was initially found to have been of “no fault or negligence” by the ITIA after twice testing positive for the banned substance clostebol, after they accepted that he had accidentally been contaminated by Naldi.
The physiotherapist was given a treatment for a cut on his hand containing the banned substance by Ferrara, before treating Sinner without the use of gloves.
Though they initially remained part of his team, Sinner fired both Naldi and Ferrera once the case and the ruling were made public, and he was ultimately handed a three-month suspension after settling with the World Anti-Doping Agency, which was appealing the ITIA’s initial ruling.
Though Ferrera has now been brought back into the 24-year-old’s entourage, Naldi has remained on the sidelines, and a return looks unlikely.
However, in a new interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Naldi claimed that he had maintained a good relationship with the former world No 1 despite the controversy.
“I never wanted to comment on what happened with the Sinner team, and I will continue not to. Even though it’s an incident that has hurt me, both personally and professionally,” said Naldi
“Even during the proceedings, we always had a good relationship. I’ve always behaved correctly; I’ve never sought publicity. These are the first official statements I’ve made since everything happened.
“At times, I’ve been put in the mouth with words taken from other contexts that have sparked social media hate and controversy.
“Unlike others, I never said anything about what happened, and I think my honesty was evident and appreciated.”
Naldi also revealed that he had recently seen Sinner in New York, when the world No 2 was attempting to defend his US Open title.
The physiotherapist claimed that the conversation had been cordial, and that he had also spoken to Ferrara and Darren Cahill — one of Sinner’s coaches — during that spell.
He added: “We talked, it was cordial, we shared private things.
“Beyond everything, the human relationship remains after a case that involved us, and it was just an unfortunate series of coincidences, and we are aware of that.
“I saw [Darren] Cahill, who has always been very kind, and I ran into [Umberto] Ferrara. I come from a basketball background, I’ve always tried to bring team spirit to the Sinner team, too, and that’s one of the things that was most appreciated.
“Even though the collaboration has ended, there’s no hard feelings. What happened can’t be changed, but we have to move on. Life goes on.”
Having been beaten by Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open final and losing his world No 1 ranking to the Spaniard as a result, Sinner has returned to action at the China Open this week.
Sinner lifted the China Open title back in 2023 and was beaten by Alcaraz in the final last year, though he is the top seed and heavy favourite in the world No 1’s absence.
The Italian began his campaign on Thursday with a convincing 6-2, 6-2 win over Marin Cilic.
Express Sport brings you the latest tennis news from the Paris Masters.
We’re reaching the business end of the Paris Masters, as eight players become four in the French capital. Jannik Sinner is the overwhelming favourite to lift the trophy after Carlos Alcaraz was dumped out by Cameron Norrie in the Spaniard’s opening match. Norrie was then beaten by Valentin Vacherot, whose amazing 10-match winning streak at Masters 1000 level came to an end when he lost to Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Canadian star Auger-Aliassime will face Alexander Bublik in the semis. Bublik defeated Alex de Minaur, who is among those to have already qualified for the year-end ATP Finals. Sinner is through to his first Paris Masters semi-final after beating Ben Shelton. He’ll face defending champion Alexander Zverev, who survived a tough match against Daniil Medvedev.
Novak Djokovic is not involved in the Paris Masters, having decided to skip the event for the second year in a row, but he has learned his fate in the draw of next week’s ATP 250 in Athens. And over in Riyadh, the WTA Finals are about to get underway.
Tennis star Taylor Townsend is proving once again that strength and beauty are not opposites — they’re a perfect match. In her latest series of photos, the American powerhouse effortlessly blends athletic grace with unapologetic confidence, reminding the world that true power shines brightest when it comes from within.
The photos, which quickly captured fans’ attention online, showcase Taylor in a radiant light — bold, self-assured, and glowing with the poise of a woman who knows exactly who she is. Whether dressed in sleek athletic wear or elegant casual fits, her energy commands attention — not just because of her style, but because of her authenticity and self-belief.
Townsend, who has long been admired for her resilience on and off the court, has redefined what it means to be an athlete in today’s world. As a professional tennis player, mother, and advocate for self-acceptance, she continues to inspire millions who see themselves reflected in her journey — a story of perseverance, pride, and power.
In a recent interview, Taylor reflected on her evolution, saying:
“Confidence doesn’t come from fitting in. It comes from standing tall in your truth — from knowing your worth even when others don’t see it yet.”
That message resonates deeply with fans, who flooded social media with words of admiration. One comment summed it up perfectly: “Taylor Townsend is what strength looks like — beautiful, real, and unstoppable.”
Her latest photos aren’t just a showcase of style — they’re a celebration of self-love and strength, a reminder that confidence is the most powerful accessory anyone can wear. 🌟
Taylor Townsend isn’t just winning matches — she’s winning hearts, redefining what greatness looks like, one stunning moment at a time. 💖🎾
Entertainment
Out But Not Down — Holger Rune’s Determined Message After Achilles Surgery Inspires Fans Worldwide
Djokovic learns fate in new home as Sabalenka addresses behaviour
Strength in Style: Taylor Townsend’s Latest Photos Capture the Power of Confidence
Out But Not Down — Holger Rune’s Determined Message After Achilles Surgery Inspires Fans Worldwide
Freakin’ Hot Ski Racer Lindsey Vonn Holds Second-Highest Super-G World Cup Wins
Emma Raducanu Living a Luxury Life: A Rising Star’s Glimpse into the Glamorous World
Bra-less Charley Hull turns head by showing off bright red body …’
-
Entertainment10 months agoFreakin’ Hot Ski Racer Lindsey Vonn Holds Second-Highest Super-G World Cup Wins
-
Entertainment10 months agoEmma Raducanu Living a Luxury Life: A Rising Star’s Glimpse into the Glamorous World
-
Entertainment9 months agoBra-less Charley Hull turns head by showing off bright red body …’
-
Entertainment9 months agoLexi Thompson Flaunts Her Athletic Physique on the Cover of Golf Magazine
-
Entertainment8 months agoCharley Hull Sizzles in Style: The Golf Queen Turning Heads On and Off the Course
-
Entertainment9 months agoPaige Spiranac posts 15 private photos: Everyone is talking about
-
Entertainment9 months ago“Lexi Thompson showcases her stunning legs in stylish outfits.”
-
Entertainment9 months agoCharley Hull Hits the Beach After a Long Day of Golfing