"Jannik Sinner to become goat?"; "Wait for confirmation" - Fans react to reports of Italian hiring ex-Novak Djokovic physical trainer after doping row

Jannik Sinner parted with his trainer, Umberto Ferrara, after his doping controversy and recent reports suggest the Italian is set to hire Novak Djokovic's ex-physical trainer, Marco Panichi. Fans have a mixed reaction to the news, with many stating that it's best to wait for official confirmations.

A month ago, it was announced that Sinner had failed two drug tests in March, testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug called Clostebol. However, he was cleared by the ITIA and an independent tribunal of wrongdoings after it was proven that the contamination was unintentional.

Sinner's trainer Giacomo Naldi was treating a cut on his own finger with a cream that contained the substance. He treated the World No. 1 and inadvertently contaminated him. Due to the fault of his trainers, Naldi and Ferrera, in the scenario, he parted ways with them a few weeks ago.

A report from Gazzetta dello Sport states that after becoming the US Open champion, Sinner is set to acquire the services of Panichi, who has worked with Djokovic for approximately eight years. He has also worked with Daniela Hantuchova and Fabio Fognini.

A tennis-related X account posted the report and fans opined in the comments section.

"Sinner about to become the statistical goat?" one fan asked.

"He has his game now he has his physical trainer," another fan wrote.

"If true it sounds like a good idea," a third fan wrote.

One fan noted that Panichi currently works with 19-year-old Chinese prodigy Juncheng Shang. They wrote.

"Anything can happen but... Panichi started working with Shang less than a month ago, it seems strange to me. He is a great professional and would be great for Sinner"

Several fans felt it was best to wait for official confirmation.

"Maybe let’s wait for an official confirmation," one fan wrote.

"After what happened with wada news yesterday... I’ll wait until there is a statement from either one. It would be great if he join team," another fan wrote.

---

Novak Djokovic congratulates Jannik Sinner on his maiden US Open triumph

Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner (Image: Getty)

Jannik Sinner arrived at the 2024 US Open in top form after winning the Cincinnati Open. Despite the stress from the doping controversy, the Italian did not let it affect his performance at the New York Major.

He defeated Mackenzie McDonald, Alex Michelsen, and Christopher O'Connell in the first three rounds, respectively. In the fourth round, he got the better of 14th seed Tommy Paul 7-6(3), 7-6(5), 6-1, before ousting fifth seed Daniil Medvedev 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the quarterfinal.

Next, Jannik Sinner defeated 25th seed Jack Draper 7-5, 7-6(3), 6-2, before dashing American hopes in the final by defeating Taylor Fritz 6-3, 6-4, 7-5.

The Italian took to Instagram to post an image of himself with the US Open trophy and Novak Djokovic commented under the post:

"Bravoooo Jannik 🏆 👏"

The Serb faced an early exit from the New York Major when he was ousted by Alexei Popyrin in the third round.