"It seems that it was only my fault, but that's not the case": Jannik Sinner's ex-physio Giacomo Naldi bemoans public perception of doping controversy
Jannik Sinner's former physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, who was involved in the Italian's failed doping tests, has expressed frustration over the public perception of the controversy. Naldi has also shed light on how his equation with Sinner stands after being removed from the 23-year-old's team.
Earlier this year, the World No. 1 was cleared by the ITIA after testing positive for the banned anabolic steroid Clostebol on two occasions during the 2024 Indian Wells Masters.
An investigation by an independent tribunal concluded that the substance had entered the Italian's system through Naldi's bare-handed back massages, as the physiotherapist had applied a healing spray containing Clostebol to a cut on his finger.
While the case appeared to be resolved, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) recently appealed the "no fault or neglicence" verdict, seeking a ban for up to two years for Sinner.
In a recent interview with La Stampa, Jannik Sinner's ex-physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi expressed sadness over the prolonged saga but remained tight-lipped about the details due to the WADA appeal.
Naldi expressed his desire to clarify his side of the story, pushing back against the public's interpretation that painted him as solely responsible for Sinner’s positive tests.
"I'm sorry like everyone else, but I can't say anything else because unfortunately it's not over yet," Naldi said.
"I hope, sooner or later, I too can tell what happened to give a general picture. Because, from how this story has been interpreted by the general public, it seems that it was only my fault. But that is not the case, as anyone who has read the verdict knows. I realize that not everyone has made this effort," he added.
Despite his frustration, Naldi disclosed that he still maintained a "cordial" relationship with Jannik Sinner, disclosing that the World No. 1 had reached out to him with a "very kind" message after the birth of his daughter.
Although those who knew him personally continued to support him during the scandal, the physiotherapist disclosed that he had been "insulted" on social media. Naldi even had to turn his Instagram account to private due to all the "nasty messages," lamenting that the doping saga had been "badly" portrayed by the media.
"He was very kind: when Letizia was born, he wrote to me. Like the whole team. I have a cordial relationship with Jannik Sinner. In general, I have received demonstrations of affection especially from those who know me personally," he said.
"On social media, however, I have read nasty messages and I have been insulted. Because what happened, in the telling of this story, happened a little badly," he added.
"Destroy people and their reputations" - Jannik Sinner's ex-physio Giacomo Naldi laments 'superficial' media coverage of Italian's doping saga
Jannik Sinner's former physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi has expressed his frustration with the media's portrayal of the doping controversy on a previous occasion as well.
In an Instagram post, Naldi lamented the public's "superficial" understanding of the case, contending that the aim was to "destroy reputations" rather than focus on the facts.
"It is true that there are two paths to justice: the real one sanctioned by the Courts and the one (unfortunately more effective) sanctioned by the media. The latter is too often superficial and rarely based on concrete facts, which in this case, moreover, are public," Naldi wrote.
"As a spectator I have always wondered what the objective of spectacular legal cases, if not to judge, create or destroy people and their reputations. Today that I have confirmed that I am the star of it!" he added.
Nevertheless, Giacomo Naldi extended his gratitude to Jannik Sinner's coaching team for the "beautiful journey" and wished the 23-year-old luck for a "good career."
Sinner and his team are currently in China for the 2024 Shanghai Masters. The World No. 1 has delivered an impressive campaign at the ATP Masters 1000 event, beating the likes of Ben Shelton and Daniil Medvedev to set up a blockbuster title clash with Novak Djokovic.