Giacomo Naldi

Giacomo Naldi is an Italian physiotherapist and osteopath who gained global notoriety as the former personal physiotherapist to world No. 1 tennis player Jannik Sinner. His professional life shifted from a quiet practice in Bologna to the center of a high-profile international anti-doping controversy in August 2024. While he never sought celebrity status, the circumstances surrounding his departure from Sinner's team made him one of the most discussed figures in modern tennis.

Currently operating out of Bologna near Via Ronzani, Naldi works as a self-employed practitioner specializing in manual therapy and sports rehabilitation. After being fired from Sinner's camp following a positive test for clostebol, he returned to the professional tennis circuit in August 2025. He now serves as the physiotherapist for Italian player Francesco Passaro, signaling a successful reintegration into the sport despite the severe reputational damage he suffered two years prior. [edit]

Naldi built his career in the shadow of Italy's academic traditions before stepping onto the international stage. He attended the Liceo Scientifico Leonardo da Vinci, a prestigious scientific high school that laid the groundwork for his future medical studies. His path led him to earn a Master's degree in Osteopathy (EOM), a qualification that established his credentials in manual therapy and injury prevention.

Before his association with top-tier tennis stars, Naldi worked as a self-employed physiotherapist in the Emilia-Romagna region. He operated a private practice at FIOS – Galleria Ronzani in Casalecchio di Reno, just outside Bologna. In this role, he treated local athletes and managed physical injuries using osteopathic techniques. He was known for his technical skill and dedication to patient care, building a solid reputation within the regional sports medicine community. This steady, low-profile work formed the foundation of his expertise before he was recruited to join Jannik Sinner's support team. [edit]

Naldi's trajectory changed dramatically when he joined Jannik Sinner's team as the player's primary physiotherapist. In this high-stakes role, he was responsible for Sinner's physical conditioning, injury prevention, and recovery protocols. He often met the player in locker rooms before matches to prepare him for competition. The position placed him directly in the spotlight of the ATP tour, working alongside the world's best players.

The defining moment of his career occurred during the US Open in August 2024. Sinner tested positive for clostebol, a prohibited anabolic steroid found in a spray bottle in his bag. Investigations revealed that Naldi had sprayed the product on a cut on his own hand before massaging Sinner, inadvertently transferring the substance. Following an internal review, Sinner parted ways with both Naldi and his fitness coach on August 23, 2024, removing them immediately before the tournament. Naldi faced intense scrutiny and was effectively removed from the professional tennis circuit for nearly a year.

In a significant turn of events, Naldi returned to the professional tennis environment in August 2025. Reports confirmed he was back at the US Open, this time working with another player, Francesco Passaro. This marked his reintegration into the sport following the controversy, demonstrating that his expertise remained valued by peers in the industry despite the scandal. [edit]

Naldi's public image is complex and polarized. He is viewed by some as a scapegoat who made a fatal error in judgment, while others see him as a victim of a media frenzy that destroyed his career unfairly. He is portrayed in the media as a competent professional who failed to adhere to strict safety protocols, leading to a breach of trust. His social media presence is limited to Instagram (@giacomonaldi), where he posts professional content related to physiotherapy and osteopathy, including reels about his work at FIOS. [edit]

Giacomo Naldi does not have a dedicated fandom in the traditional sense. However, he has become a subject of intense interest within the tennis community and among anti-doping watchdogs. Fans and critics alike discuss his actions in forums, Reddit threads, and sports news comment sections. The "incident" itself has become a piece of tennis folklore, often cited in discussions about the complexities of anti-doping rules and the responsibilities of support staff. There are no fan campaigns, charity drives, or organized groups supporting him, though some fans may sympathize with his situation given the severity of the fallout compared to the athlete's eventual return. [edit]

The incident involving Naldi became a cautionary tale about hygiene and protocol in professional sports. It highlighted the strict liability nature of WADA rules, where the athlete is responsible for everything in their possession regardless of how the substance got there. Despite the scandal, Naldi managed to secure a position with another top-tier player within a year, proving his technical skills were still highly regarded.

Naldi is based in Bologna, a city known for its historic university and strong academic traditions, which fits his educational background in science and osteopathy. He has maintained a relatively low profile regarding his private life, focusing entirely on his return to physiotherapy work rather than seeking media attention or public sympathy campaigns. [edit]

There is no public information available regarding Giacomo Naldi's romantic relationships, dating history, marriage status, or children. Unlike many public figures, Naldi has maintained a low profile regarding his private life. All available data points focus exclusively on his professional activities and the doping scandal. Consequently, there are no verified records of partners, engagements, or divorces. As of late 2025, his relationship status remains unknown to the public, and he appears to be focusing entirely on his return to physiotherapy work with Francesco Passaro. [edit]

Jannik Sinner (Former Employer), Francesco Passaro (Current Employer), Umberto Ferrara (Colleague). [edit]

There is no public information available regarding Giacomo Naldi's romantic relationships, dating history, marriage status, or children. Unlike many public figures, Naldi has maintained a low profile regarding his private life. All available data points focus exclusively on his professional activities and the doping scandal. Consequently, there are no verified records of partners, engagements, or divorces. As of late 2025, his relationship status remains unknown to the public, and he appears to be focusing entirely on his return to physiotherapy work with Francesco Passaro. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Giacomo Naldi's net worth at approximately $500 Thousand. This figure reflects his earnings as a self-employed physiotherapist and osteopath in Bologna, combined with his tenure as Jannik Sinner's personal physiotherapist. While specific salary details from his time with Sinner remain confidential, his income likely included a substantial retainer for working with a world No. 1 player.

The financial impact of the 2024 doping scandal resulted in the immediate loss of his lucrative contract with Sinner. Although no specific figures regarding settlement amounts or fines paid by Naldi have been released, the termination of his employment represented a significant financial setback. Since returning to the sport in 2025 to work with Francesco Passaro, he has likely resumed earning a competitive salary, balancing his clinical work in Bologna with his role in the tennis circuit. [edit]