Novak Djokovic Gives Verdict on Jannik Sinner’s ‘Surprise’ Decision to Part Ways with Coaches Ahead of Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic is projected to lock horns with Jannik Sinner in the semifinal of Wimbledon, where the Italian has never reached the final.

Novak Djokovic Gives Verdict on Jannik Sinner’s ‘Surprise’ Decision to Part Ways with Coaches Ahead of Wimbledon

Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Marco Panichi, Ulises Badio (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

Just a few days before the start of Wimbledon, physiotherapist Ulises Badio and fitness coach Marco Panichi left Jannik Sinner‘s team. The exact reason is not known yet.

Sinner hired them last year after parting ways with physio Giacomo Naldi and fitness coach Umberto Ferrara because the latter bought the contaminated spray from Italy and the former used it on himself but accidentally massaged Sinner, who then failed the doping test twice and served his three-month ban this year.

Badio and Panichi had also worked with 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic. The Serb is chasing his eighth Wimbledon title and will face Alexandre Muller in the first round. In the pre-tournament press conference, Djokovic was asked about Sinner’s coaching situation.

I don’t know what the reasons are for the split with Jannik to be honest. It came out as a surprise to me as well, to be honest, because I think that Jannik’s game and body really has improved so much in the last year, year and a half, and they’ve been an integral part of that team.

When Sinner was asked in his press conference about the split, he said nothing major happened that culminated in the end of the partnership. Darren Cahill and Simone Vagnozzi will continue to work with the three-time Grand Slam champion. The Aussie coach, however, will no longer be a part of his team after this season.

So I don’t know, to be honest, but changes happen. It doesn’t necessarily only relate to your professional relationship. It could be something private.

Novak Djokovic added

Sinner could once again schedule a Grand Slam semifinal match against Djokovic at Wimbledon. They had met in this year’s French Open semifinal, which the 23-year-old won in straight sets.

The Italian will be aiming to win his first title in the tournament, while the Serb, who was the finalist here in the last two seasons, will be bidding for his 25th Major and could schedule a third consecutive Wimbledon final clash with Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic last lifted a Major at the 2023 US Open.

At Wimbledon, he will be chasing his second title of the season following the Geneva Open. The 38-year-old hasn’t yet lifted a Big Title since the 2024 Paris Olympics where he clinched his career’s first gold medal by beating Alcaraz. Djokovic has reached the final of every Wimbledon since 2018.

Andy Roddick thinks it’s weird that Jannik Sinner parted ways with his two coaches

The most surprising thing about the end of the partnership was the timing. Because this happened just before Wimbledon, Andy Roddick found it weird. During his Served podcast’s latest episode, the 2003 US Open champion claimed people will never know the real reason publicly.

Jannik Sinner (X/The Tennis Letter)
Jannik Sinner (X/The Tennis Letter)

It’s really weird, yes. On the eve of Wimbledon, you wouldn’t do it unless it was something big. I don’t know, but I’d say it must be an off-court issue, whether it’s financial or an argument. It’s not something you do when you’re trying to win your first Wimbledon.

Sinner progressed to the last four at SW19 in 2023, losing the match to Novak Djokovic. Then the following season, Daniil Medvedev ended his run in the quarterfinals.

The three-time Grand Slam champion will lock horns with compatriot Luca Nardi in the first round. He could meet Lorenzo Musetti in the quarterfinal, Djokovic, or Jack Draper in the semifinals. In the final, the first seed, apart from Carlos Alcaraz, could also face World No.3 Alexander Zverev.

Sinner has won just one title this season- the Australian Open by beating Zverev. Since then, he reached two finals (in Rome and Paris). Before Wimbledon, he failed to defend his title at the Halle Open.

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