Jannik Sinner loses two coaches on eve of Wimbledon as pair leave Italian's camp

Jannik Sinner has lost two key members of his team ahead of Wimbledon next week. Sinner learnt today (Friday) he will face compatriot Luca Nardi in the first round at SW19, as he bids to win the grass-court Grand Slam for the first time in his career.

However, just hours after the main draw was made, the world No.1 has been rocked by major disruption to his coaching staff. Marco Panichi and Ulises Badio, his trainer and physiotherapist respectively, have parted ways with the 23-year-old. The pair had been employed by Sinner since September 2024, and helped oversee him retain the Australian Open and reach the French Open final.

The pair replaced Umberto Ferrara and Giacomo Naldi. The top-seeded player at Wimbledon sacked both of them following the controversial Clostebol affair, which ultimately earned Sinner a three-month suspension that he served earlier this year.

That was despite the authorities accepting Sinner's explanation that the substance got into his system when Naldi gave him a massage. The physio allegedly used Clostebol beforehand to treat a cut on his own finger.

Neither Sinner or his camp have released any kind of explanation for the split. According to Sky Italy, a statement is expected tonight to clarify the reasons for the sudden separation.

As it stands, the three-time Grand Slam winner will step on to court next week with just coaches Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill to work with. Osteopath Andrea Cipolla is also said to have travelled with him to SW19.

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Following the draw, Sinner's pursuit of a maiden Wimbledon crown could hinge on a heavyweight semi-final clash with seven-time champion Novak Djokovic. He is also in the same half of the draw as British hope Jack Draper, with the two in line to meet in the last eight.

He's played just once since his agonising defeat to Carlos Alcaraz at Roland Garros last month. He entered this month's Halle Open, but his grass court preparation was cut short by losing his opening match to Alexander Bublik who eventually went on to win the event.