In a stunning move just days before the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, world No. 1 tennis player Jannik Sinner has parted ways with fitness trainer Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio, reshaping his support team at a critical juncture. The announcement, confirmed by Sky Sport on June 27, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the tennis world, especially given the timing and the duo’s high-profile tenure with Sinner since September 2024. Here’s a detailed look at this unexpected Jannik Sinner team shakeup and its implications as he prepares to face Luca Nardi in a first-round Italian derby at Wimbledon.
A Sudden Departure
Marco Panichi, a seasoned fitness coach, and Ulises Badio, an experienced physiotherapist, joined Sinner’s team in September 2024, replacing Umberto Ferrara and Giacomo Naldi after a doping controversy involving Clostebol. Both Panichi and Badio brought elite credentials, having previously worked with 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic—Panichi from 2017 to May 2024 and Badio until 2022. Their addition was seen as a coup, with Sinner praising their experience: “They’ve worked with a world No. 1 for years, and their synergy is a big help,” he said during the Shanghai Masters in October 2024.
However, less than 10 months later, Sinner has abruptly ended their collaboration. Sky Sport reported the split, noting that Panichi and Badio were absent from Sinner’s training sessions in Monte-Carlo, with only osteopath Andrea Cipolla spotted alongside coaches Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill. No official reason has been disclosed, but speculation on X suggests a recent interview by Panichi may have caused friction within Sinner’s entourage, though this remains unconfirmed. A Reddit user commented, “The reason is said to be rooted in issues outside of tennis,” but cautioned against trusting unverified Italian press reports.
Impact on Sinner’s Wimbledon Campaign
The timing of this shakeup raises eyebrows, as Sinner enters Wimbledon 2025 as the top seed, aiming for his first title at the All England Club. His 2024 grass season was underwhelming, with a second-round loss to Alexander Bublik in Halle, and he recently admitted to feeling physically worse than mentally, possibly due to lingering effects from a grueling Roland Garros final loss to Carlos Alcaraz. The departure of Panichi, who helped refine Sinner’s physical conditioning, and Badio, known for his therapeutic expertise, could disrupt his preparation for the demanding five-set matches on grass.
Sinner’s team still includes Vagnozzi and Cahill, whose coaching has been pivotal to his rise, and Cipolla, his trusted osteopath. However, the absence of a dedicated fitness trainer and physiotherapist for Wimbledon’s two-week grind is a concern. “This is a bold move before a Slam,” said tennis analyst Stefano Meloccaro on Sky Sport. “Sinner’s banking on his core team, but physical prep is crucial on grass.” X users expressed mixed sentiments, with @TheTennisLetter noting, “Sinner’s fitness coach and physio are out—big change before Wimbledon,” while @Olly_Tennis_ recalled Sinner’s success at the 2024 US Open with a similar “minimalist setup.”
Context of the Clostebol Controversy
The Jannik Sinner team shakeup follows a turbulent period. In August 2024, Sinner fired Ferrara and Naldi after testing positive for Clostebol in March, a banned steroid traced to a spray Naldi used during a massage. The International Tennis Integrity Agency cleared Sinner, ruling the contamination unintentional, but the World Anti-Doping Agency’s appeal, pending until late 2025, looms over his career. Panichi and Badio’s hiring was meant to stabilize his team, making their sudden exit all the more surprising. Their track record with Djokovic, who won 11 Slams during Panichi’s tenure, had raised expectations for Sinner’s physical and mental resilience.
What’s Next for Sinner?
Sinner is expected to address the split during Wimbledon’s Media Day on June 28, 2025, with an official statement from his team likely to follow. No replacements for Panichi and Badio have been announced, but Sinner’s history of decisive changes—such as parting with coach Riccardo Piatti mid-season—suggests he’s unafraid to adapt swiftly. His current 55-5 record in 2024, with six titles including the Australian Open and US Open, underscores his ability to thrive under pressure.
What This Means for Readers
The Jannik Sinner team shakeup highlights the high-stakes world of elite tennis, where even the No. 1 player makes bold moves to optimize performance. As Sinner faces Wimbledon without Panichi and Badio, fans and analysts will watch closely to see if this gamble pays off or disrupts his quest for a third Grand Slam. The controversy, amplified by posts on X, reflects the intense scrutiny on Sinner’s every move. For his supporters, this is a test of his resilience; for critics, it’s a potential chink in his armor. As Wimbledon unfolds, Sinner’s ability to adapt will define this pivotal moment in his career.
