Jannik Sinner’s sacked ex-physio makes surprising comment on relationship with world No 1

Jannik Sinner's former physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, has shed new light on his current relationship with the world No 1.

Naldi was dismissed by Sinner, along with fitness coach Umberto Ferrara, for their respective roles in an ongoing doping scandal. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) cleared Sinner of wrongdoing after he twice tested positive for trace amounts of the banned substance clostebol earlier this year.

The ITIA accepted Sinner's explanation that the substance found its way into his system via a bare-handed massage from Naldi, who was using a product purchased by Ferrara to treat a cut on his finger.

Sinner announced before the US Open in August that the pair had been dismissed, admitting he was 'not feeling confident to continue with them'. Since then, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed the ITIA's verdict, leaving Sinner susceptible to a two-year ban.

Despite the stress Sinner is suffering as a result of the fiasco, Naldi claims that he and the Italian remain on good terms, while others have not been so supportive.

"[Sinner] was very kind," Naldi told Leggo. "When [my daughter] Letizia was born, he wrote to me. Like the whole team. I have a cordial relationship with Jannik. In general I have received demonstrations of affection especially from those who know me personally.

"On social media, however, I have read bad messages and I have been insulted. Because of what happened, in the telling of this story, happened a little badly."

Sinner getting away without punishment has caused controversy among some well-known figures in tennis, with Nick Kyrgios one of the ITIA verdict's most outspoken critics.

As turmoil rages off the court, Sinner continues to take care of business on it. He defeated Novak Djokovic in the Shanghai Masters final on Sunday, making it three overall victories from the last four tournaments he has entered.

Earlier this month, Sinner spoke about the difficulties of staying focused amid the doping drama. "It’s not a situation where I like to be in," the 23-year-old said. "It’s a very delicate and difficult and also different situation. But what I know is that I always try to remind myself that I haven’t done anything wrong.

"For sure I had sleepless nights during this time. Now again it’s going to be not easy. In my mind I knew this could potentially happen. Obviously I'm disappointed to be in this situation but I just try to stay somehow focused on my work and trying to do everything possible to be ready for each match I play."