Jannik Sinner of Italy takes a break during a practice session prior to The Championships Wimbledon 2025 (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
LONDON – One of the biggest mysteries on the tennis tour right now: Jannik Sinner’s decision to part ways with two key members of his team just days before the most prestigious tournament of the year.
The Italian let go of his physiotherapist Ulises Badio and fitness coach Marco Panichi right before Wimbledon — the only Grand Slam where he has yet to reach a final.
“He’ll still be well prepared for the tournament. Darren Cahill and Simone Vagnozzi, the rest of his team, are very experienced,” said Marin Cilic, the Croatian veteran who has played 60 Grand Slam events.
The 2017 Wimbledon finalist explained to a small group of reporters, including CLAY and RG Media, what it means for a player to head into a major tournament without their physical specialists.
“A tennis coach doesn’t replace a fitness trainer. The fitness coach knows what your body needs — whether that’s shorter sessions or more frequent breaks,” said the 36-year-old.
The 2014 U.S. Open champion added: “And when it comes to the physio — what if he picks up a minor injury? Who takes care of that? The ATP? The ATP physios are great, they know what they’re doing. But you can’t take them back to the hotel, and they’re not working just for you.”
“Magic hands” — that’s what some call Ulises Badio. The nickname gained traction after the 2021 Australian Open, when the Argentine was part of Novak Djokovic’s team. The Serbian went on to win his ninth title in Melbourne, despite suffering an abdominal injury in the third round.
Doubts about Djokovic’s physical condition loomed throughout the tournament. But after spending long hours each day working with Badio, his body began to respond — and he managed to go all the way. Together, they pulled off what many called a miracle.
During his victory speech, in a stadium still operating at limited capacity due to the pandemic and with fans wearing face masks, Djokovic gave Badio a special shout-out: “Uli, special thanks to you. You dedicated so much time to make sure I could compete.”
Djokovic first, then Sinner. So what’s next for the physiotherapist with the strongest recent résumé on tour?
“Il Papa Leone,” he joked.
Badio, always discreet, declined to comment on the split with Sinner.
“Thank you for the time and the challenges we shared. Ciao Jannik!” he wrote on Instagram.
The world No. 1 dodged questions in his press conference when asked about the reasons behind the dismissal of Badio and Panichi, who had joined his team after the 2024 U.S. Open. Sinner had recently also parted ways with fitness coach Umberto Ferrara and then-physio Giacomo Naldi, the two directly linked to the Clostebol doping case that led to the Italian being suspended for three months earlier this season.
“We achieved incredible results together, so obviously I’m very grateful to them, but I’ve decided to do something different,” Sinner said. With Badio and Panichi in his corner, he won the Australian Open, the ATP Finals, the Shanghai Masters and the Davis Cup. He also reached the finals in Roland Garros and Rome.
On Tuesday, Sinner will make his Wimbledon debut against fellow Italian Luca Nardi. His best result at the All England Club came in 2023, when he reached the semifinals.
Sebastián Varela
