Sinner's former coach warns about his injury: "If it's that, it will keep him out for a while"

Marco Panichi is back in the spotlight of tennis news. The Italian physical trainer, who worked for six and a half years with Novak Djokovic and nine months with Jannik Sinner, has confirmed the end of his collaboration with Holger Rune and has taken the opportunity to analyze the physical problem that has forced the world number one to end his season.

In an interview reported by Ubitennis, Panichi also made it clear that his intention is to return to the ATP circuit in 2027, as he currently serves as the head of physical preparation for the Tennis Federation of Kazakhstan. Although he has not yet defined his next venture, Marco states that he has no shortage of proposals and that his desire is to work directly with a professional player again. 

"Surely, next season I will be back on the circuit. It’s what I enjoy doing and what I want to continue doing," explained Panichi, who prefers to assess different options without rushing before making a decision.

Marco Panichi analyzes Jannik Sinner's injury

One of the most interesting points of the interview came when addressing Sinner's right knee injury, related to a possible iliotibial band syndrome, a common ailment among runners linked to physical overload. Panichi, who knows firsthand the demands of elite tennis, refrained from making a definitive diagnosis, although he did explain the risks associated with these types of problems.

"When you are constantly playing at peak level and with very demanding rhythms, the risk of injury is always present," said the trainer, who linked these situations to the increasing intensity of professional sports. In his opinion, the calendar and the accumulation of commitments also do not help players manage their efforts adequately.

Regarding the possible consequences of the Italian's injury, Panichi was cautious but issued a warning. "If that's the case, it will keep him out for a while,” he stated, before explaining that surgery does not usually offer the same guarantees as with other injuries, such as a torn ligament. "Almost nobody gets surgery for this problem," he added. The trainer also focused on the difficulty of balancing competition with the numerous exhibitions that the top stars participate in. The best tennis players receive constant offers and, according to Panichi, it is becoming increasingly difficult to decline commitments and find the necessary balance to preserve physical fitness.

His experience alongside figures like Djokovic and Sinner allows him to understand the demands of the elite. Now, after closing his chapter with Rune, Panichi is seeking a new project while tennis once again questions how much the bodies of its great champions can withstand.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El expreparador de Sinner advierte sobre su lesión: "Si se trata de eso, lo tendrá fuera un tiempo"