former Sinner Physio Returns to ATP Tour,Sparks Controversy
May 11,2025
ROME – Giacomo Naldi,the former physiotherapist for Jannik Sinner,has returned to the ATP Tour,joining forces with Italian tennis player Francesco Passaro. The announcement has stirred controversy due to Naldi’s past involvement in Sinner’s doping case.
Passaro addressed the situation after his victory over Grigor Dimitrov at the Rome Masters, stating, “The controversies don’t concern me. I don’t even know exactly what happened. I think Giacomo is a professional – and that’s what counts.” Passaro defeated Dimitrov 7-5,6-3.
Naldi’s involvement stems from Sinner’s positive tests for clostebol at the 2024 Indian Wells Open [[1](https://tennis-infinity.com/news/sinners-former-fitness-coach-makes-exceptional-revelation-about-his-doping-saga)]. The positive tests were attributed to unintentional contamination during a massage, where naldi had used a contaminated ointment on a cut on his own finger. Sinner parted ways with Naldi and his athletic trainer, Umberto Ferrara, in late August.
Naldi is now working with Passaro at the ATP Masters in Rome. While the collaboration is initially short-term, there is potential for it to extend. “Giacomo helped me with rehabilitation,” Passaro explained. “I have to thank him as I came back in pretty good shape. We’re looking at the rest right now. But I’m very motivated to continue with him.” Passaro, currently ranked No. 101 in the world, had been sidelined with a hip injury. His accomplished return to the tour is a source of pride. “Playing in Rome is incredible for me, and hearing the crowd call my name is a dream I’ve had as I was a child,” Passaro said.
Potential Reunion with Former Staff Looms
If Sinner and Passaro were to face each other at the Rome Masters, Naldi’s presence would add an intriguing dynamic to the match. Though, such a meeting could only occur in the final, as Sinner is slated to face Jesper de Jong in the round of 32, while Passaro will compete against Karen Khachanov.
A reunion with another former member of Sinner’s team is more likely. ferrara, Sinner’s former fitness coach who reportedly recommended the ointment that led to Naldi’s contamination, is now working with Matteo Berrettini. Berrettini is a potential quarterfinal opponent for Sinner.
Hear are two PAA (People Also Ask) related questions based on the provided article:
Former Sinner Physio Returns to ATP Tour, Sparks Controversy
may 11, 2025
ROME – Giacomo Naldi, the former physiotherapist for Jannik Sinner, has returned to the ATP Tour, joining forces with Italian tennis player Francesco Passaro. The declaration has stirred controversy due to naldi’s past involvement in Sinner’s doping case.
Passaro addressed the situation after his victory over Grigor Dimitrov at the Rome Masters, stating, “The controversies don’t concern me. I don’t even know exactly what happened. I think Giacomo is a professional – and that’s what counts.” Passaro defeated Dimitrov 7-5, 6-3.
Naldi’s involvement stems from Sinner’s positive tests for clostebol at the 2024 Indian Wells Open [[1](https://tennis-infinity.com/news/sinners-former-fitness-coach-makes-remarkable-revelation-about-his-doping-saga)]. The positive tests were attributed to unintentional contamination during a massage, where Naldi had used a contaminated ointment on a cut on his own finger.Sinner parted ways with Naldi and his athletic trainer, Umberto Ferrara, in late August.
Naldi is now working with Passaro at the ATP Masters in Rome. While the collaboration is initially short-term, there is potential for it to extend. “Giacomo helped me with rehabilitation,” Passaro explained. “I have to thank him as I came back in pretty good shape. We’re looking at the rest right now.but I’m very motivated to continue with him.” Passaro, currently ranked No.101 in the world, had been sidelined with a hip injury. His accomplished return to the tour is a source of pride. “Playing in Rome is incredible for me, and hearing the crowd call my name is a dream I’ve had as I was a child,” Passaro said.
Potential Reunion with Former Staff Looms
If Sinner and Passaro were to face each other at the Rome Masters, Naldi’s presence would add an intriguing dynamic to the match. Though, such a meeting could only occur in the final, as Sinner is slated to face Jesper de Jong in the round of 32, while Passaro will compete against Karen Khachanov.
A reunion with another former member of Sinner’s team is more likely. Ferrara, Sinner’s former fitness coach who reportedly recommended the ointment that led to naldi’s contamination, is now working with Matteo Berrettini. Berrettini is a potential quarterfinal opponent for Sinner.
Q&A: Unpacking the Controversy
Q: What exactly happened with Jannik Sinner and the doping case?
A: Sinner tested positive for clostebol at the 2024 Indian Wells Open. The source was traced to a contaminated ointment used by his then-physio, Giacomo Naldi, who applied it after cutting his own finger during a massage.Sinner maintained he was unaware of the contamination and wasn’t at fault.
Q: Why is giacomo naldi’s return causing controversy?
A: Due to his involvement in sinner’s doping case. Some fans and commentators question whether he should be allowed back on the tour given the circumstances.
Q: How did Francesco Passaro react to the situation?
A: Passaro stated that the controversy doesn’t concern him and that he’s focused on Giacomo’s professional abilities. he credited Naldi for helping him recover from a hip injury.
Q: What are the chances of Sinner and Passaro meeting at the Rome Masters?
A: They can only meet in the final. Sinner is in the round of 32, while Passaro’s path is different; they can’t meet until the final.
Q: Who is Umberto Ferrara and what’s his connection to the story?
A: Ferrara was Sinner’s fitness coach and reportedly recommended the ointment that led to the contamination.He is now working with Matteo Berrettini,who could possibly face Sinner in the quarterfinals.
Q: what’s next for Naldi and Passaro?
A: Their current collaboration is short-term, but they’re exploring a longer partnership. Passaro is hoping to continue working with Naldi.
Intriguing Trivia: Did you know that clostebol is a banned substance that can help muscle growth? This case highlights how easily unintentional errors can lead to important consequences.
Keep an eye on the Rome Masters to see how this story unfolds,and whether the paths of Sinner,Passaro,Naldi,and Ferrara cross again.
