“Secrets that shouldn’t have left the locker room”: Why Sinner parted ways with key team members before Wimbledon
ATP
Jannik Sinner's camp saw significant changes at the start of Wimbledon, with the dismissals of fitness coach Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio just days before the tournament began. The world No. 1 arrived at Wimbledon following a disappointing second-round loss at the Halle Open to Alexander Bublik.
Beyond Sinner's impressive results over the past couple of years, his team has experienced several movements. The unearthing of a doping case due to negligence by his working team led to the dismissals of Umberto Ferrara and Giacomo Naldi last year.
Panichi and Badio, who had previously worked with Novak Djokovic, joined Sinner's team in August of last year as their replacements. Both accompanied the Italian during his three months off the court due to suspension and in his first tournaments after returning at the Rome Open, Roland Garros, and Halle.
A couple of days before Wimbledon began, the departure of both members of Sinner's team was reported. According to a recent publication by Corriere della Sera, the reason for the separation was that Panichi allegedly "disclosed secrets that should have stayed in the locker room, particularly those from Paris." Badio's departure is said to be "collateral damage," as he worked directly with Panichi.
Supposedly, Sinner and his team were not pleased that it was revealed he "cried for 15 minutes" after the Roland Garros final against Carlos Alcaraz. The world No. 1 squandered three match points and ultimately lost the final to his great rival in a fifth-set tie-break.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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