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.



Ronaldo Misses Al-Nassr’s Debut in Asia’s New Elite Tournament with Virus

Al-Nassr's Portuguese forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo looks on during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr at at al-Awwal Stadium in Riyadh on September 13, 2024. (AFP)
Al-Nassr's Portuguese forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo looks on during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr at at al-Awwal Stadium in Riyadh on September 13, 2024. (AFP)
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Ronaldo Misses Al-Nassr’s Debut in Asia’s New Elite Tournament with Virus

Al-Nassr's Portuguese forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo looks on during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr at at al-Awwal Stadium in Riyadh on September 13, 2024. (AFP)
Al-Nassr's Portuguese forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo looks on during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr at at al-Awwal Stadium in Riyadh on September 13, 2024. (AFP)

Cristiano Ronaldo has a virus and did not travel to Iraq with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr for Monday’s AFC Champions League Elite debut match at Al-Shorta.

Al-Nassr said that the Portugal forward “wasn’t feeling well” and “was diagnosed with a viral infection," adding that the team physician confirmed he needs to rest.

Playing for Portugal in the Nations League, Ronaldo recently scored against both Croatia and Scotland to take his men’s-record tally of international goals to 132.

Ronaldo won five UEFA Champions Leagues but has yet to win a major trophy with Al-Nassr.

It’s the first edition of the Elite version, which replaced the AFC Champions League as Asia’s top club tournament.

Ronaldo’s debut in the Elite tournament could now come against Qatari club Al-Rayyan on Sept. 20 in Riyadh.