Jannik Sinner reappoints fitness coach, Ferrara

World number one Jannik Sinner has reappointed fitness coach Umberto Ferrara, nearly a year after the duo parted ways following a doping controversy involving a banned substance.

Ferrara, along with physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi, exited Sinner’s team last August—five months after the Italian tested positive twice for clostebol, a prohibited anabolic agent.

At the time, Sinner was later cleared of intentional wrongdoing by an independent tribunal, though the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) pursued an appeal against the ruling.

In February, the 23-year-old accepted a three-month ban as part of a settlement with WADA, which acknowledged that Sinner had not intended to cheat but cited negligence on the part of his team.

The clostebol reportedly entered his system through an over-the-counter spray applied to a cut by Naldi.

Ferrara admitted to providing the spray to Naldi for personal use, warning him not to use it on Sinner.

However, a tribunal concluded that Ferrara had done so knowing it contained a banned substance and would likely come into contact with the athlete.

Despite the past incident, Sinner’s camp expressed confidence in Ferrara’s return, noting it marks a renewed emphasis on continuity and elite-level performance ahead of major tournaments like the Cincinnati Open and the US Open.

“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.

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“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,” a statement from Sinner’s team read.

Following Ferrara and Naldi’s departure, Sinner brought on fitness coach Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio in September. However, he parted ways with them shortly before Wimbledon 2025, where he went on to win his fourth Grand Slam title, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the final.

Ferrara, who holds a degree in pharmaceutical technology, was originally selected to guide Sinner on anti-doping compliance. While questions remain about whether he will resume that role, the team has yet to respond to inquiries.

WADA’s final ruling stated that although the doping violation stemmed from the entourage’s negligence, Sinner bore responsibility under its code for the personnel he selected and supervised.

Still, the Italian believes that bringing back Ferrara is the right move as he continues his quest to stay atop the tennis world.

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