The Italian physio who accidentally contaminated Jannik Sinner with a banned steroid during a massage has voiced his disappointment at being sacked by the world No. 1, with Giacomo Naldi expressing his “honour” for being part of the team.
Sinner was found not guilty after an investigation despite testing positive for the steroid clostebol,at Indian Wells earlier this year.
Sinner avoided a possible two-year ban after it was determined that the substance got into the player’s system in a transfer form a cut on Naldi’s hand.
The furore has hit tennis on the eve of the US Open, where Sinner is top seed.
The player said he could no longer work with Naldi and fitness trainer Umberto Ferrara due to a lack of trust after the major mistake.
“A year and a half ago I joined a fantastic work group, consisting of good people, great professionals, travel companions.
“With them I have lived moments of joy and pain, shared emotions, tasted victories and defeats,” Naldi said in a statement. “With the people of this group, I created a strong bond.
“I am proud to have been a part of this great team, aware that I have given my best, that I have been 100 per cent professional but also that I have given more, because when you put your heart into it you are sure to give more.
“It hurts to think of not being a part of it anymore, it’s hard not to be in the box with you and cheering for Jannik, but I’ll have to get used to it quickly.
“Thank you Jannik and good luck, for a great career, you are a champion.”
Sinner will work at the US Open with only his usual pair of coaches featuring Australian legend Darren Cahill
