Sinner brings on Djokovic's former fitness coach, Tunisia's Jabeur out for season due to injury

Jannik Sinner has recruited Marco Panichi, Novak Djokovic’s former fitness coach, after recent controversy surrounding his positive doping tests earlier this year.

"Welcome to the team," Sinner posted on social media Monday, alongside a photo with Panichi and new physiotherapist Ulises Badio, another ex-member of Djokovic’s team. They replace Umberto Ferrara and Giacomo Naldi, whom Sinner parted ways with prior to his US Open victory following the doping scandal in March.

Sinner tested positive twice for clostebol, a banned substance, but explained the traces came from a spray used by his staff to treat a finger injury. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted his explanation, clearing him of wrongdoing, though the decision was met with backlash from players like Australian Nick Kyrgios.

Panichi’s resume includes working with Fabio Fognini, Angelique Kerber, and Li Na, before joining Djokovic’s team from 2019 until earlier this year.

Meanwhile, on the WTA caravan, Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur has announced she will miss the remainder of the 2024 WTA season due to a shoulder injury. The three-time Grand Slam finalist has battled with injuries and a dip in form this year, resulting in her slide to 22nd in the world rankings.

Jabeur, who missed the US Open due to her shoulder issue, last played in early August when she suffered a heavy loss to Naomi Osaka in Toronto.

"This year has been extremely hard for me and as athletes, we know that recovery is part of the journey," she said on social media.

"Due to my ongoing shoulder injury, my medical team and I've made the difficult decision to step off the tennis circuit for the rest of the season."

The 30-year-old confirmed that she aims to return to the court at the start of the 2025 season in Australia.