World number one Jannik Sinner has rehired fitness coach Umberto Ferrara, nearly a year after dismissing him for his involvement in the Italian's three-month doping ban. Ferrara was the one who purchased the spray containing clostebol, a banned steroid, which led to Sinner's positive tests.
Sinner failed two drug tests last year and was suspended from February 9 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, a substance that can build muscle mass. Sinner's explanation that he was accidentally contaminated by a massage from his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, who used a spray on a cut finger, was accepted by WADA.
WADA concluded that Sinner 'did not intend to cheat' but held him responsible for his team's negligence. Sinner previously parted ways with both Ferrara and Naldi, stating at last year's US Open: 'Because of these mistakes, I'm not feeling that confident to continue with them.' He replaced them with Marco Panichi and Ulises Badio in September, but they left shortly before Wimbledon 2025.
A statement from Sinner's team on Wednesday confirmed Ferrara's return, saying: '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 decision was made as part of preparations for upcoming tournaments, including the Cincinnati Open and US Open.
Since returning from his ban in May, Sinner has reached the French Open final and won Wimbledon. After his Wimbledon triumph, he expressed surprise at his rapid return to top form.
