Jannik Sinner shakes up staff for a US Open reset after drug test scandal

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who managed to avoid suspension despite failing two drug tests, reiterated that the banned substance found in his system was a result of an accident.

On Friday, he confirmed that he has parted ways with his fitness coach Umberto Ferrara and physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi after they were held responsible for his positive tests in March.

“Now, because of these mistakes, I’m not feeling confident to continue with them,” said the 23-year-old Sinner. “I just need some clean air. I was struggling a lot in the last months, and now I just need some clean air.”

Sinner, as the top seed, has the opportunity to start fresh at the U.S. Open.

Coming off a title win at Cincinnati and avoiding a ban, Sinner faced the press for the first time since the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) released the doping results and its ruling on Tuesday.

The tests showed traces of clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid, in his system on two occasions in March.

The ITIA explained that the substance was a result of contamination from a support team member who had been using an over-the-counter spray containing clostebol to treat a small wound.

“I was worried because it was the first time for me, and hopefully the last time I am in this situation,” Sinner expressed. “There was a very minimal amount in my body, so I was concerned. I have always been a fair player on and off the court.”

However, questions remain about how Sinner will be perceived by his competitors and the tennis community.

While he maintains that there is no preferential treatment due to his ranking, players like Nick Kyrgios and Denis Shapovalov have criticized what they see as a double standard.

“I understand the frustration of other players, but my friends know that I would never do something against the rules,” Sinner commented. “I can’t control my reputation, so we will see how it unfolds.”