Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1 and 2025 Wimbledon champion, made headlines in July 2025 when he parted ways with his fitness trainer, Marco Panichi, and physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, prompting speculation about the reasons, with some reports linking the decision to his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz. According to an Express.co.uk report on July 31, 2025, Panichi’s frustration with the public support Alcaraz received during their French Open final on June 8, 2025, contributed to the split. Sinner, who led by two sets and held three match points, lost to Alcaraz in a five-set epic (2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3), reportedly crying for 15 minutes in the locker room afterward, upset by the crowd’s favoritism toward Alcaraz. Panichi’s public comments about the loss, despite team rules restricting unauthorized statements, were seen as a breach of trust, with sources noting he was “talking too much” during their nine-month partnership. Naldi, viewed as a “collateral victim,” was let go as part of the package deal, having previously worked with Panichi on Novak Djokovic’s team.
Sinner, however, downplayed any dramatic rift, stating at Wimbledon, “No, nothing major happened. I parted ways not long ago, but it’s not affecting me.” He hinted at trust issues, telling Tennis TV, “Communication is important for the group to function, you have to trust. We spend a lot of time together all year round, it’s important to find the right people.” Sinner has since rehired Umberto Ferrara, his former fitness trainer, who left in 2024 after an investigation into Sinner’s two failed doping tests. The tests, linked to contamination from a clostebol spray Ferrara provided to Naldi, resulted in a three-month ban in early 2025, which Sinner served without public suspension due to a successful appeal.
While the Alcaraz narrative adds intrigue, Sinner’s decision appears driven by professional dynamics rather than personal rivalry. His coaches, Darren Cahill and Simone Vagnozzi, who remain with him, have fostered his resilience, evident in his Wimbledon triumph over Alcaraz (4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4), snapping a five-match losing streak. Cahill emphasized the win’s importance, saying, “He needed that win today,” noting Sinner’s ability to rebound from the French Open loss. Sinner and Alcaraz maintain a respectful rivalry, with Alcaraz praising their “beautiful relationship” off-court in a July 2025 Financial Times interview, dismissing trash-talking rumors.
The sacking reflects Sinner’s focus on team cohesion as he prepares for the Cincinnati Open and US Open, where he defends his 2024 title. Posts on X, like @DExpress_Sport’s, amplified the Alcaraz angle, but Sinner’s comments suggest a pragmatic move to ensure trust and alignment within his camp.
