Jannik Sinner has rehired fitness coach Umberto Ferrara almost one year after firing him for his role in the world No.1’s three-month doping ban.
Sinner failed two drug tests last year and was suspended at all tennis events from February 9, 2025 to May 4, 2025 after a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
The Wimbledon champion and four-time major winner tested positive for clostebol twice – a steroid that can be used to build muscle mass.
Sinner’s explanation that he was accidentally contaminated by a massage from his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, who used a spray containing the banned substance to treat a finger cut, was accepted by WADA.
They decided that Sinner ‘did not intend to cheat’ but ruled he was responsible for his team’s negligence, which ultimately saw him punished.
Why did Sinner sack Umberto Ferrara?
Sinner previously parted with Ferrara for his role in the clostebol case – with the fitness coach the one who had purchased the spray.
Ferrara blamed Naldi over the incident, arguing he provided the spray to the physiotherapist for personal use and warned him about using it on Sinner.
Sinner, 23, explained his decision to part ways with Ferrara and Naldi at last year’s US Open.
‘Now, because of these mistakes, I’m not feeling that confident to continue with them,’ Sinner said. ‘I was struggling a lot in the last months. I was waiting for the result. The only thing I need right now is some clean air.’
Sinner appointed Marco Panichi and Ulises Badio in September to replace Ferrara and Naldi – but they left their roles shortly before Wimbledon 2025.
Why has Sinner rehired Umberto Ferrara?
Italian star Sinner is now back working with fitness coach Ferrara ahead of the 2025 US Open after a statement from his team on Wednesday.
‘Umberto has played an important role in Jannik’s development to date, and his return reflects a renewed focus on continuity and performance at the highest level,’ the statement said.
‘The decision has been made in alignment with Jannik’s management team as part of ongoing preparations for upcoming tournaments, including the Cincinnati Open and US Open.’
Sinner shocked by his level since return
Sinner only made his return to the ATP Tour in May following the ban – but since then – he’s reached the French Open final and won Wimbledon.
Speaking after his triumph at the All England Club, Sinner admitted he was surprised at his impressive level of tennis so quickly after the comeback.
