Jannik Sinner’s Ex-Coach Reveals Doping Ban Was Surprisingly the ‘Best Moment’ of his Professional Career
Jannik Sinner was slapped with a three-month ban in 2025, but didn't miss any of the Grand Slams in the process.
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Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Jannik Sinner HQ)
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Tennis was rocked in August 2024 when Jannik Sinner, Italy’s rising star, faced a clostebol doping controversy. While the tennis community flooded X with speculation about the end of his career, his then fitness coach Marco Panichi appeared notably unconcerned by the unfolding drama.
In an unexpected revelation, Panichi recently admitted that Sinner’s doping suspension period produced the “best moments” of his professional career. The comment highlights a remarkably positive perspective on what was widely viewed as a career-threatening crisis.
In a recent chat with La Repubblica, Panichi decided to spill the tea. Sinner was suspended right after his title win at the Australian Open this year.
An important premise: I can’t talk about my relationship with Jannik, for contractual reasons. I won’t name names. I’ll say that in general, certain ‘improvisations’ can help some athletes learn to manage their emotions. One thing I think I can say: the three months of his suspension were one of the best moments of my professional life. We worked hard, always having fun and exchanging many things with great respect.
Was Sinner taking acting lessons to manage the pressure? Hardly. But whatever preparation occurred during his suspension clearly paid off, as he produced his most dominant Grand Slam season yet, reaching all four finals and winning two titles.
The bromance behind the ban amid criticism
While the media was tearing Jannik Sinner apart and fans were arguing in comment sections, Marco Panichi and the four-time Grand Slam champion were just grinding it out, finding joy in the work. It humanizes a situation that felt incredibly clinical and legalistic from the outside.
Many current players, including Nick Kyrgios and Stanislas Wawrinka, immediately questioned the three-month ban. The Swiss man questioned the integrity of the sport, while Kyrgios has consistently been a vocal advocate for the doping ban.
Recently, Novak Djokovic also discussed this matter on the Piers Morgan Uncensored Show. The Serbian accused Sinner of getting ‘preferential treatment’ from WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency).
The chaos prior to the best moments
Before examining Panichi’s positive perspective, some context on the case is needed. Jannik Sinner tested positive for clostebol on two occasions in March 2024, creating a significant public relations challenge for the world number one.
The ITIA initially cleared him, accepting the explanation that the substance entered his system via a massage from his physio, Giacomo Naldi, who had used a spray containing the steroid on his own cut finger.
Naturally, heads rolled. Sinner parted ways with Naldi and his fitness coach, Umberto Ferrara (who gave Naldi the spray). Enter Marco Panichi and Ulises Badio, two veterans who had previously worked with the final boss of tennis himself, Novak Djokovic.
But the drama wasn’t over. WADA appealed, negotiations dragged on, and eventually, Sinner served a three-month ban in early 2025. When he came back at the Italian Open in May, he didn’t miss a beat, finishing runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz in Rome and then losing to him again at the French Open final.
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