Sinner Adds Former Djokovic Trainer, Physio to Coaching Team 

Italy's Jannick Sinner waves to the crowd during a men's singles tennis Davis Cup tennis match between Italy's Matteo Berrettini and Botic Van Zandschulp of the Netherlands, at the Unipol arena, in Bologna, Italy, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Michele Nucci/LaPresse via AP)
Italy's Jannick Sinner waves to the crowd during a men's singles tennis Davis Cup tennis match between Italy's Matteo Berrettini and Botic Van Zandschulp of the Netherlands, at the Unipol arena, in Bologna, Italy, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Michele Nucci/LaPresse via AP)
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Sinner Adds Former Djokovic Trainer, Physio to Coaching Team 

Italy's Jannick Sinner waves to the crowd during a men's singles tennis Davis Cup tennis match between Italy's Matteo Berrettini and Botic Van Zandschulp of the Netherlands, at the Unipol arena, in Bologna, Italy, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Michele Nucci/LaPresse via AP)
Italy's Jannick Sinner waves to the crowd during a men's singles tennis Davis Cup tennis match between Italy's Matteo Berrettini and Botic Van Zandschulp of the Netherlands, at the Unipol arena, in Bologna, Italy, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Michele Nucci/LaPresse via AP)

World number one Jannik Sinner has added fitness coach Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio to his staff following the dismissal of two members after he escaped a doping ban despite failing two drug tests in March.

The Italian confirmed the appointment in a social media post on Monday, with Panichi and Badio bringing vast experience after having worked with 24-times Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.

Sinner had tested positive for the steroid clostebol, which can be used to build muscle mass, after his physio Giacomo Naldi applied an over-the-counter spray to a cut on his own hand before carrying out treatments on him.

The spray was given to Naldi by trainer Umberto Ferrara.

Sinner fired both team members last month, before winning the US Open title to make it two Grand Slam trophies in 2024 following his breakthrough Australian Open triumph.

The 23-year-old was cleared of fault or negligence last month by an independent tribunal which accepted the explanation that he had inadvertently been contaminated with the drug by Naldi, the International Tennis Integrity Agency said.

The World Anti-Doping Agency had said it would review the decision and reserved the right to appeal.

Panichi and Badio had their first session with Sinner on Monday at his training base in Monte Carlo and will travel with him to tournaments in Beijing and Shanghai.



Renard Confirms Saudi National Team's Readiness for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup

The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
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Renard Confirms Saudi National Team's Readiness for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup

The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA

French coach Hervé Renard has confirmed the Saudi national football team's readiness to compete in the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait, from 21 December 2024 to 3 January 2025, and stressed that the team aims to achieve great results, rather than merely gain experience.
Renard also said the tournament is a valuable opportunity to enhance the players' technical and physical capabilities, SPA reported.
Speaking at a press conference, Renard said: "We are here to participate effectively and win. This tournament provides a great platform to work with the players and prepare them for future competitions."
Regarding the team's condition, Renard said that player Hassan Tambakti is ready for action, while Salem Al-Dawsari is "working on regaining full fitness".

He commended Al-Dawsari for his dedication to speeding up his recovery. Meanwhile, Firas Al-Brikan is dealing with an injury, and his availability will depend on further evaluations, said Renard.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Renard said: "I accepted this challenge because I believe in the players' capabilities. We must work with team spirit and focus on improvement in the coming period."
As far as the team's opening match against Bahrain is concerned, Renard said: "We are preparing for a tough game. The preparation period was crucial, and our focus now is on delivering a strong performance."
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday in what promises to be an exciting start to their Gulf Cup matches. Both teams are eager to make a strong impression in their opening match.