'Why oh why Jannik' - Paul McNamee and Nick Kyrgios slam Jannik Sinner over reappointment of fitness coach

Yesterday, Jannik Sinner reunited with his old fitness trainer Umberta Ferrara, after the pair split at the end of last year due to Ferrara being involved with the Italian's controversial positive doping test. Physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi was also let go by Sinner following the previous events.

The world number one was under the spotlight in March 2024 after he tested positive for clostebol, which is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency due to it's potential of being used as a performance- enhancing drug.

The pair were let go before the North American hard court season, with Marco Panichi and physio Ulises Badi coming in to fufil the roles. Sinner went on to taste glory in the US Open for his second Grand Slam. However, a year later the Italian joined back up with his old fitness trainer, leading to many prominent tennis figures to spread their displeasure and disgust over the current events.

A statement read: “The decision was made together with Jannik’s management as part of the ongoing preparation for upcoming tournaments, including Cincinnati and the US Open. Umberto has played an important role in Jannik’s development, and his return reflects a renewed focus on consistency and performance at the highest level.”

Former four-time doubles Grand Slam champion Paul McNamee has been very vocal throughout this Sinner debacle on X, sharing his thoughts on the controversial situation. Back when Sinner accepted a three-month ban, McNamee voiced his thoughts on X on the topic, saying it left a 'sour taste'.

“Regarding Sinner…not good that a world #1 is suspended, but the fact he doesn’t miss a Slam, where his absence would be a major focus, raises the perception that timing was relevant to the deal. This leaves a sour taste for those who suffered more, but good luck to him I suppose,” he wrote.

When the news came out that the reigning Wimbledon champion had got back with Ferrara, the Aussie was shocked, as he wrote: “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?”

The tweet has got over 100 comments, with one user replying: “If he stands by his belief that it was an honest mistake like they’ve claimed from the beginning, why wouldn’t he want to rehire him? Refusing to rehire him because a few idiots on twitter will cry would be silly. Willingness to rehire him more likely confirms there was no cheating going on, so does the fact that he’s still the best player in the world and even more physically fit than he was pre failed drug test.”

His response to this was: “Then why did he sack him?”

McNamee is not the only person to aim shots at the four-time Grand Slam champion, with former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios also having his say on the drama. The Aussie has consistently spoken out against Sinner throughout this whole case, and doubled down on his criticism after yesterday's news broke.

On X, he wrote: “He got the same doc back we have been played ladies and gentlemen .”

This is not the first time he has had his say on this, with him commenting his opinion regularly throughout. In a press conference held in Brisbane at the end of last year, Kyrgios called the situation 'not good for tennis' whilst also saying there has not been enough discussion on what happened.

“People say that I am disrespectful towards sports? I think that those who tried to cheat are disrespectful,” Kyrgios said. “There is not enough talk about what happened, I think they are trying to hide the dust under the carpet by talking about the amount of doping, but that is not the point. Not everyone is treated the same way. Sinner is an incredible player, I have never denied it, but this situation is not good for tennis.”