Shocking Revelation: Negligence of Physio Leads to Doping Scandal for Tennis Star
In a scandalous turn of events, the ex-fitness coach of world number one tennis player Jannik Sinner, Umberto Ferrara, has come forward with damning allegations of negligence against physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi. This negligence reportedly led to Sinner testing positive for a banned substance in two separate doping tests.
The reigning world number one found himself embroiled in controversy after testing positive for clostebol, a prohibited substance, in doping tests conducted in March last year. Despite the accusations, Sinner avoided a ban when The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) cleared him of any wrongdoing. The player’s defense argued that the substance entered his system through contact with his physio Naldi, who used a spray to treat a finger injury.
Following ITIA’s decision, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) challenged the ruling and sought a two-year ban for the young tennis sensation. However, a resolution was eventually reached between WADA and Sinner, resulting in the player being sidelined for three months as part of the agreement.
In a recent interview with Italian publication La Gazzetto dello Sport, Ferrara, the ex-fitness coach, disclosed that he had advised Naldi on the use of Trofodermin for treating a finger injury but explicitly instructed him to avoid any contact with Sinner. Despite Ferrara’s clear communication, Naldi allegedly failed to adhere to the instructions, claiming later that he could not recall being informed about the risks involved.
“I was very clear in communicating to Naldi the nature of the product and that there was no need to get it in touch with Jannik,” Ferrara emphasized. “In fact, I only allowed it to be used inside my personal bathroom.”
This scandal serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adherence to anti-doping regulations in professional sports and the severe consequences of negligence in maintaining a clean sporting environment.
