Jannik Sinner’s heartbreaking defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in the 2025 French Open final has reportedly triggered a major shake-up in his coaching team. The Italian star, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise up the ATP rankings in recent years, stunned the tennis world by parting ways with Ulises Badio, a respected physiotherapist and fitness coach who previously worked with Novak Djokovic during his dominant years.
Sinner’s collaboration with Badio, which began at the start of 2025, was initially seen as a power move designed to bring elite-level experience to his corner. However, the devastating loss to Alcaraz in a grueling five-set Roland Garros final exposed certain vulnerabilities in Sinner’s game, leading to internal reflections about his team’s dynamics and preparation methods.
According to sources close to Sinner’s camp, the defeat to Alcaraz was a turning point. The match, widely regarded as one of the best finals in recent French Open history, showcased Alcaraz’s superior physical endurance and tactical adaptability. Despite Sinner’s valiant effort, he struggled with cramping and fatigue in the latter stages, raising concerns about his conditioning under Badio’s regime.
While the split was amicable on the surface, insiders suggest that Sinner and his management felt the need for a fresh approach in fitness and recovery protocols. The loss to Alcaraz wasn’t just about the tactics on court—it was a wake-up call about the physical demands required to dethrone the current generation’s top players. As a result, Sinner made the bold decision to restructure his support staff, starting with Badio’s departure.
Interestingly, Sinner’s move mirrors previous decisions made by top players like Novak Djokovic, who has famously rotated coaching staff to stay on top. Sinner is now expected to bring back his former fitness coach Umberto Ferrara, the same individual who was previously dismissed following a minor doping controversy earlier in the year. This indicates that Sinner is seeking familiarity and a trusted environment as he regroups for the remainder of the season.
The defeat to Alcaraz has intensified the rivalry between the two young stars, and Sinner is determined to close the gap, especially on clay courts where Alcaraz has the upper hand. With eyes now set on the U.S. Open and the ATP Finals, Sinner’s revamped team will aim to enhance his physical durability and mental fortitude in high-stakes matches.
In elite tennis, a Grand Slam final loss often forces introspection, and Sinner’s proactive response underscores his relentless pursuit of excellence. By reshaping his team after the French Open heartbreak, Sinner is making it clear that he’s willing to make tough decisions to become a Grand Slam champion in the near future.