‘One of the most astonishing PR moves in tennis history' – Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner slammed for coach decision
Prior to winning Wimbledon this summer, Sinner, 23, served a three-month ban after twice testing positive for banned substance clostebol in March 2024.
3
3
Sinner's explanation was that a spray purchased over-the-counter in Italy by fitness coach Umberto Ferrara had been used by physio Giacomo Naldi to treat a cut.
Naldi is then said to have contaminated Sinner with the substance while massaging his feet.
The world No1 was not initially suspended, and in August last year an International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) tribunal determined that he bore "no fault or negligence" for the contamination.
Following the decision, Sinner axed both Ferrara and Naldi and went on to win the US Open and Australian Open.
The Italian went on to hire Novak Djokovic 's former fitness team Marco Panichi and Ulises Badio - but parted with both prior to his Wimbledon triumph.
Sinner has since filled the vacancy by turning back to Ferrara, in a decision that has raised eyebrows among the tennis community.
Former doubles Grand Slam champion Paul McNamee wrote on X: "Jannik Sinner rehiring Umberta Ferrara has to be up there as one of the most astonishing PR moves in tennis history. You can afford to hire anyone in the world. Why oh why Jannik?"
Sinner eventually served a three-month ban after this year's Australian Open following the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) decision to appeal the ITIA's previous verdict to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Prior to the appeal reaching a courtroom, an agreement was reached between WADA and Sinner for the reigning No1 to serve a three-month ban - which enabled him to return in time for his home tournament in Rome, Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
Upon axing Ferrara and Naldi last August, Sinner said: "I'm not feeling that confident to continue with them."
Since then, Ferrara appeared to attempt to shift the blame towards Naldi during an interview with Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport.
Sinner's fitness coach said: "I very clearly communicated to Naldi both the nature of the product, and the fact that it must not come into contact with Jannik for any reason."
He then went onto add: "I suggested that he use it because he had a cut on his finger that wasn't healing and was affecting his work. I only allowed it to be used in my personal bathroom.
"Naldi did not deny being told about it, but he said he did not remember."
Confirming Ferrara's return to the team, a Sinner statement read: "Jannik Sinner has reappointed Umberto Ferrara as his fitness coach with immediate effect.
"The decision has been made in alignment with Jannik's management team as part of ongoing preparations for upcoming tournaments, including the Cincinnati Open and U.S. Open.
'Umberto has played an important role in Jannik's development to date, and his return reflects a renewed focus on continuity and performance at the highest level.'
Sinner has withdrawn from next week's Masters 1000 event in Canada.
The Wimbledon champion is next scheduled to appear in Cincinnati, before his US Open title defence begins next month.
3
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
7 minutes ago
- The Independent
Tale of 3 A's cities: Oakland left behind, Sacramento a temporary stop, Las Vegas awaits
Those chants of 'sell the team' that rang from every corner of the Coliseum during the Athletics' final seasons in Oakland are noticeably less obvious these days as the club plays the first of three scheduled years at a Triple-A ballpark in California's capital region. Not that all the negative feelings have been cast aside. There is still plenty of ill will toward the team that moved some 90 miles north. During a recent Braves-A's series, two supporters showed up in 'Forever Oakland' T-shirts, while another fan from Fresno arrived at Sutter Health Park wearing a 'Rooted in Oakland" shirt. It's a drastically different scene from the A's old Oakland home. Fans staged 'reverse boycott' protests where they packed the Coliseum, brought homemade signs begging the team to stay and loudly called for owner John Fisher to 'SELL!' In Sacramento, there's a pervading sense the A's are a rental, not a long-term investment. As soon as 2028, they plan to move into a what has been valued as a $1.75 billion ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip. Construction began last month. While many A's fans moved on and want nothing to do with the team, some still drive long distances to games in Sacramento and try to make the best of the situation — a big league team in a small-time stadium. 'It's a big difference walking (through the ballpark) in about five minutes instead of walking the Coliseum in like 20, 30 minutes,' said Francisco Almazan from Modesto. It's not a wholly comfortable setup for players and coaches. The A's built a two-story clubhouse beyond left field that on the top floor includes a lounge, kitchen and offices for manager Mark Kotsay and his coaches. The players' lockers are on the first level. 'Everybody is trying to make the best of it," outfielder Lawrence Butler said. "I'm just thankful for them trying to make it up to big-league standard.' Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledged while speaking at the All-Star Game that playing in a 10,000-seat ballpark isn't perfect. He said the circumstances would be different if the A's moved directly into a 33,000-capacity facility like the one underway in Las Vegas. Union chief Tony Clark was less diplomatic, insisting players prefer to work in an actual big league ballpark. 'There's still a little bit of hope that something may come to fruition before 2028 and what's being described as the time where the new ballpark will be in place,' Clark said. "But we'll have to see.' A's players know the situation: The plan is to play in America's party capital less than three years from now, but that seemingly far-off timeline doesn't consume their day-to-day baseball lives. 'I think this group is focused on what they need to be focused on,' Kotsay said. 'They come to prepare every day. You walk through our locker room, there's a consistent routine and consistent work ethic that goes on prior to them playing the game.' Still, as much as they try to stay in the moment, the A's are very much tied to their past, present and future with three far different cities. Oakland is embracing the B's, and the Coliseum has a new tenant Some baseball fans in the A's old market have shifted their interest to the Oakland Ballers. The 'B's' have been a huge hit at intimate Raimondi Park — capacity around 4,000 — complete with mascot Scrappy the Rally Possum and nostalgic nods to Oakland at every turn. The B's have provided a big lift for a city that watched the NBA's Golden State Warriors move to San Francisco in 2019 and the NFL's Raiders leave for Las Vegas the next year. Last month, the Ballers unveiled a mural honoring late Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, who died in December at age 65. The Oakland Roots soccer team now plays its home games at the Coliseum, where cricket has also become a popular choice given the dual-sport facility's size. Some longtime employees now work Roots games but many moved on or retired, unwilling to make the trek to Sacramento — though most weren't invited. Las Vegas prepares to welcome an MLB franchise A formal groundbreaking on the new ballpark occurred June 23, with Fisher, Manfred and Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo among those speaking at the festivities. There is a tight window for the venue to be ready by opening day in 2028. The A's hope to complete the project in 2027. They launched a construction cam so fans can track the progress, and without a doubt, the team will be under a microscope trying to meet its ambitious deadline. Then the question becomes: Will Las Vegas embrace the A's? Las Vegas' strong support for its first major professional team, the NHL's Golden Knights, helped pave the way for what has become an explosion of sports in a city once shunned because of legalized sports betting. The Raiders draw large crowds, but many game days feel like neutral sites with opposing fans showing up by the thousands. The Aces became the first WNBA team to sell out an entire season — and did so twice. Longtime A's radio play-by-play man Ken Korach has a unique perspective on it. In his 30th season calling A's games, Korach moved to the Henderson, Nevada, suburb in 1992 and has stayed put. He figured MLB might explore the market, either through relocation or expansion. 'There are a lot of conflicting emotions there," Korach said. "I've always felt the Bay Area is a two-team market, and I've always felt that Vegas could support a major-league team.' Rookie infielder Max Muncy, too, can already weigh in on the A's current home and their future one. He has played 81 games in Las Vegas over the past two seasons, but began this season in Sacramento and returned to the big club before going on the 10-day injured list Tuesday after taking a pitch to his right hand. 'I had a great time in Las Vegas,' Muncy said. 'Those fans are great. The atmosphere is great. It's a great city. I enjoyed living there. I think it's going to be a special place to play, as it is here. I really enjoyed my time there, and I think a lot of guys that played there will say the same thing.' Being on the Strip would allow the A's to attract tourists given the ballpark is walking distance for many visitors. That could be especially important for non-marquee, weeknight matchups in contrast to in-demand weekend series against big-market teams like the Yankees or Dodgers. The club has begun trying to establish a foothold in the community. The A's said they have contributed $1.5 million since 2023, including more than $400,000 this year, to nonprofits and other similar organizations that include every youth baseball and softball team. They have been involved in more than 30 events this year from youth sports to festivals to public watch parties with more planned through the end of 2025. Sacramento is trying to enjoy the A's while they're still around Robert Greenberg, an A's fan who lives in Fresno, isn't sure he will keep rooting for the green and gold if and when they move for good even if it's an easier drive to Sacramento than to Oakland. He believes Fisher cut payroll and undermined the team to suppress attendance and facilitate its move. 'I guess he got what he wanted,' Greenberg said. Ayad Bunni of San Mateo said he was a fan before hosting the 'Locked on A's' podcast. He considered not following the A's and understands why many others no longer cheer them on, but said he didn't fault the club for taking these steps. 'As an A's fan and being from here, would I love for them to be in Oakland?" he said. "Absolutely, 100%." The A's average 9,782 fans, and they and Tampa Bay — also playing in a Triple-A ballpark this season after Tropicana Field was damaged by a hurricane — are the only teams were fewer than 10,000 per game. The Athletics averaged 11,386 fans last season in the Coliseum, lowest in MLB. Meanwhile, the players play on, and whether the process turns out to be one big sinking ship remains to be seen. It also could become a move that puts the organization on the trajectory to future success in the box office and on the field. But the here and now gives the A's plenty to think about, and All-Star designated hitter Brent Rooker acknowledged he and his teammates have faced adversity most other clubs haven't encountered. 'Every challenge you face in this game or outside this game is going to mold you and build you into the person you're going to ultimately become," Rooker said. 'So anything you can use to your advantage, whether it's adversity, a challenge, a success, a failure, all those things can be made into positives.' ___
Daily Mail
7 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Meanwhile, at the rugby... Zara and Mike Tindall lark about as they cheer on British and Irish Lions in Melbourne
Zara and Mike Tindall donned their beanie hats and red jerseys as they cheered on the British and Irish Lions in Melbourne this weekend. Zara, 44, looked relaxed and radiant as she joined husband Mike, 46, in the stands of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, to cheer on the team as the couple marked their 14th wedding anniversary with a trip down under. In a selfie shared to Mike's Instagram, the royal couple beamed donned full British and Irish Lions outfits including matching tops and beanies. The former English former rugby union player praised the 'incredible' performance which saw the British and Irish Lions triumph over the Wallabies in a 29-26 victory. He wrote: 'What a day Saturday was!! Lions an incredible come back, but massive shift by the Wallabies, frustrated no doubt but they get one more chance next Saturday!!' In their usual light-hearted manner, the couple also larked about while at the sporting event - with Mike donning a comical wig in the stands. The Lions win caps off the couple's extensive trip to Australia, where they've been touring the country this month. Last week Zara and Mike were soaking up the Queensland sunshine, enjoying a rare break from their busy schedules during a stunning getaway at Hamilton Island. The former England rugby star shared a series of scenic photos to social media, showing himself and Zara aboard a luxury yacht as they cruised through the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. 'We had the chance to spend a few days on Hamilton Island this week – despite all the times we have been to Australia, we have never been here before and it's been amazing,' Mike wrote in the heartfelt caption. 'It's our first time being out on the water in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park too and it really was unreal. Queensland definitely has it all. Made some incredible memories. What an unforgettable way to spend some downtime.' He added hashtags including #familytime and #memories, tagging both @queensland and @hamiltonisland. The couple, dressed casually in white tees and shorts, beamed in one photo taken on the deck of their vessel, with the ocean stretching out behind them. In another snap, beachgoers are seen enjoying the balmy Queensland weather under clear blue skies as the pair relaxed off-camera. It marks another cherished chapter in the Tindalls' long-running love affair with Australia. The royal duo – who have been married since 2011 – are regular visitors to the country, travelling Down Under nearly every year for the Magic Millions equestrian carnival on the Gold Coast. Zara, daughter of Princess Anne and niece to King Charles, is an accomplished equestrian and Olympic silver medallist. She's also a long-time ambassador for Magic Millions, a high-profile role she's held since 2012. Speaking previously, Zara said the country feels like her 'home away from home'. 'We have always loved Australia, and it is like a home from home for us... although the Magic Millions carnival is busy... we couldn't ask for a better way to start the year,' she said. Zara previously confirmed she and her family holidayed in Australia previously, and that they adore the lifestyle. Speaking to Hello! magazine, Zara once admitted she'd consider moving Down Under if the timing were right: 'Probably not while I'm still competing… but after that… yes, I think if an opportunity came up we'd definitely think about it.' Mike added: 'Early January is bleak over here [in the UK] so it's nice to go and have a bit of sun. I love the lifestyle of Australia and the ability to get up early, go on the beach – especially for the kids. 'It's not a rushed lifestyle. I think it's a great place and we enjoy it so much.' The pair famously met in Sydney in 2003 at the Wharf Bar in Manly while Zara was on a gap year and Mike was recovering from being cut from the World Cup squad. They were introduced by Prince Harry and soon hit it off. The pair married in 2011 and the couple have visited Australia almost every year since, only taking a break between 2020 and 2021 during the Covid-19 lockdowns. They share three children, Mia Grace, 10, Lucas, three, and Lena Elizabeth, six.
Reuters
7 minutes ago
- Reuters
Japan's Suzuki paved way for generation of players
July 28 (Reuters) - Ichiro Suzuki, a remarkable hitter with dazzling speed and arm strength, not only broke stereotypes during a career played across two continents but also blazed a trail for a generation of Japanese-born players in Major League Baseball. Suzuki, who proved his abilities despite starting his MLB journey at a relatively advanced age, became the first Japanese-born player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Cooperstown, New York, on Sunday. Arriving from the Orix BlueWave of the Pacific League in Nippon Professional Baseball as a 27-year-old major league rookie with the Seattle Mariners, Ichiro wasted no time showing that his talent and determination translated on MLB diamonds. The slender Ichiro, with an unorthodox high leg kick to time his swing in the batter's box, turned routine ground balls into short infield singles with his speed down the line and made baserunners cautious with his strong arm in right field. Suzuki announced himself with an electric 2001 season in which he hit .350 to win the batting title with a rookie record 242 hits while swiping a league-leading 56 bases in sweeping Rookie of the Year and American League MVP honors. The batting title/stolen base double had last been achieved in 1949 by fabled trailblazer Jackie Robinson, the man who broke the color barrier as MLB's first African American player. Suzuki, who had won seven batting titles in a row and three straight Pacific League MVP awards in Japan, was just getting warmed up in the majors and quickly became a household name in Seattle. Following a strict daily practice routine and stretching regimen, Suzuki was a model of high level consistency during a 19-year MLB career that also included stops with the New York Yankees and Miami Marlins. He went on to post a record 10 consecutive seasons of at least 200 hits, reaching his zenith in 2004 when he stroked 262 hits to break an 84-year-old major league record set by George Sisler as he claimed another batting title with a .372 average. By the time he retired, Suzuki was a 10-times MLB All-Star who held the record for the most hits by a professional baseball player, including his time in Japan, with 4,367. Including his 1,278 hits for Orix in Japan, the claim has been made that with his major league hits total, Ichiro has surpassed the late Pete Rose, who is MLB's career hits leader with 4,256. "He's a guy who comes around once in a lifetime," Hall of Famer Derek Jeter, who was a teammate of Suzuki's when the Japanese outfielder played with the Yankees from 2012 to 2014, once said. "No one's ever seen anybody like him. And to be quite honest, we probably won't see anybody like him again." Suzuki, who during his career smashed the perception that only Japanese pitchers were good enough to excel in MLB, not only inspired a generation of players but also prompted clubs to more aggressively scout and sign hitters from Japan. His rise to stardom while playing in MLB opened the door for fellow Japanese hitters like Hideki Matsuyama while current Los Angeles Dodgers two-way standout Shohei Ohtani has also referenced him as an inspiration. "Growing up, Ichiro was for me the way that I think some kids, some people, look at me today," Ohtani told GQ magazine in 2023. "Like I'm a different species. Larger than life. He was a superstar in Japan. He had this charisma about him."
