Jannik Sinner’s fitness coach details the plan behind his Rome comeback: “This work will have to bear fruit”
Jannik Sinner’s much-anticipated return to the ATP Tour is just around the corner, and his team is confident he’ll be back stronger than ever for the Italian Open. According to Marco Panichi, Sinner’s new fitness coach, the time away from competition has been anything but idle — it’s been part of a meticulously crafted plan aimed at long-term success.
Sinner was handed a three-month suspension after testing positive for Clostebol earlier this year. Though the International Tennis Integrity Agency cleared him of any intentional wrongdoing, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed for a longer ban. To avoid a drawn-out legal process and potentially harsher penalties, Sinner accepted a three-month suspension, which will conclude on May 4 — just in time for the Italian Open, where he will return as World No. 1.
Despite missing four major events, including the ongoing Madrid Open, Sinner has managed to retain the top spot in the rankings — a testament to his dominant start to the season, which included defending his Australian Open title.
Speaking to Corriere della Sera, Panichi explained how the forced break became a golden opportunity for development:
“From the moment the suspension began, everyone — the player, the team, and management — agreed to turn it into a productive period,” he said. “We were able to focus on uninterrupted, high-quality training cycles that aren’t usually possible during the tour.”
The team used the downtime to transition from short-term training “micro-cycles” to more in-depth “macro-cycles,” taking time to analyze Sinner’s performance data and implement tailored improvements. “We’ve refined everything,” Panichi added. “From Rome onward, this work will have to bear fruit.”
Beyond Tennis: Mental Reset & New Experiences
The break wasn’t just about physical conditioning. Mental recovery was a key part of Sinner’s preparation. Panichi highlighted the importance of pushing Sinner outside his comfort zone — whether through trying golf, visiting museums, or simply engaging in different routines.
“This variety helps keep the mind fresh,” Panichi explained. “It also offers contrast to routine training, which is necessary for consistent evaluation and growth.”
Sinner also took time for personal reflection. “He’s gone through a sort of detox,” Panichi said. “Mentally, he’s in a completely different place now. He’ll return to Rome with immense motivation and a renewed sense of purpose.”
Panichi, whose coaching résumé includes names like Djokovic, Kerber, Schiavone, and Fognini, joined Sinner’s camp after the departure of Umberto Ferrara — the coach associated with the controversial doping episode.
As May 4 approaches, all eyes will be on Sinner. Can this period of focused preparation translate into immediate success on court?
