Jannik Sinner questioned over 'really weird' incident ahead of Wimbledon as Novak Djokovic speaks out on rival
Jannik Sinner has come under fire after it was revealed that he made a 'really weird' major decision just days before Wimbledon.
After weeks of anticipation, perhaps the most exciting fortnight in the tennis calendar is finally upon us as Wimbledon officially got underway on Monday morning.
Several of the biggest stars in the sport will be in action across the first couple of days, including British men's number one Jack Draper, Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu.
Going into the competition, current men's world number one Sinner is among the favourites to win what would be his first Wimbledon title, just five months after winning the Australian Open.
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But, ahead of his opening match against fellow Italian player Luca Nardi, the 23-year-old has received criticism for his decision to part ways with two of his team members days before Wimbledon began.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that Sinner had decided to sack both his fitness trainer, Marco Panichi, and his physiotherapist, Ulises Badio, days before the season’s third Grand Slam.
Both men started working with the Italian back in September 2024, replacing former team members who Sinner fired due to their roles in him failing two doping tests last year.
Brininging in both Panichi and Badio, who previously enjoyed long spells with tennis legend Novak Djokovic, was seen as a major addition to Sinner's team.
Therefore, his decision to part ways with them so close to Wimbledon has left many questioning his decision-making, including journalist Jon Wertheim.
Speaking on the Served with Andy Roddick podcast, Wertheim asked: "What do we make of Sinner firing his trainer and physio on the eve of Wimbledon?
“Especially given sort of greater context there, strikes me as an interesting personnel move as you try to win your first Wimbledon.”
Roddick replied: “That’s a really weird thing to do, yeah. On the eve of Wimbledon, you wouldn’t… had to be something.
“I don’t know anything, but my guess would be that it has to be something off court, whether it’s financial, whether it’s an argument. This doesn’t feel like what you would do when you’re trying to win your first Wimbledon.
“This also sounds like it could be something that we will never know the answer to, at least publicly.”
How did Djokovic react to the news about Sinner's decision?
Former world number one Djokovic will face French player Alexandre Muller in his first match of Wimbledon 2025 on Tuesday.
Ahead of the match, the 24-time major winner spoke with the media and, given his past with Panichi and Badio, he was asked to give his opinion on Sinner's controversial split with the pair.
“I did work with Marco and Uli, and I think they are phenomenal professionals that both have contributed also a lot to me, to my team, to my success,” said the Serbian.
“I don’t know what the reasons are for the split with Jannik. It came as a surprise to me as well because I think Jannik’s game and body really has improved so much in the last year, year and a half.
"They’ve been an integral part of that team. I don’t know, to be honest. But changes happen."
Where to buy last-minute Wimbledon tickets
The Wimbledon ballot may have closed for another year, but it’s not too late to buy advance tickets if you know where to look.
If you don’t mind splashing out on the experience, Seat Unique has the option to book ‘VIP Debenture Behind The Server’ and ‘VIP Debenture Front 5 Rows’ tickets.
These tickets offer 'unparalleled views' of the court, so you won't miss out on any of the action.
As for resale tickets, you'll want to head over to StubHub and Viagogo.
Topics: Wimbledon, Tennis, Novak Djokovic
Ben McCrum