Wimbledon champion and current World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has reappointed his former fitness coach Umberto Ferrara, sparking renewed controversy across the tennis world. The decision comes as Sinner prepares for the Cincinnati Open and US Open 2025.
Sinner’s team issued a statement on Wednesday confirming the reunion: “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.”
This move comes less than a year after Sinner cut ties with Ferrara and physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi, following a positive test for clostebol—a banned muscle-building substance. In March, Sinner received a three-month ban from WADA.
Doping Scandal Still Casts a Shadow
The banned substance entered Sinner’s system when Naldi treated him shortly after using a spray on his own hand. Ferrara had provided that over-the-counter spray. Although Sinner tested positive, an independent tribunal cleared him of wrongdoing, citing unintentional contamination.
At last year’s US Open, Sinner spoke about his decision to part ways with Ferrara and Naldi: “Now, because of these mistakes, I’m not feeling that confident to continue with them. 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.”
Despite those remarks, Ferrara is now back. His return has drawn backlash, especially from Nick Kyrgios, who took to X: “He got the same doc back … we have been played ladies and gentlemen,” Kyrgios wrote, alongside laughing and potato emojis.
Performance Over Optics?
Ferrara blamed Naldi for the doping incident. After leaving Sinner’s team, he worked with fellow Italian Matteo Berrettini. Now, Sinner’s decision to rehire him suggests a focus on results as the tennis calendar heats up.
Since his return to action in May, Sinner has had an impressive run. He lost the French Open final to Carlos Alcaraz but avenged that loss by winning Wimbledon 2025. With the US Open around the corner, he appears determined to build on that momentum.
However, critics believe this decision sends a confusing message. Even though Sinner was cleared of fault, reinstating a coach connected to a banned substance may undermine efforts to maintain transparency in the sport.
As Sinner gears up for another Grand Slam challenge, the tennis world will watch not just his performance—but the consequences of his choices off the court.
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