Sinner Reunites with Former Fitness Coach Ahead of Key Tournaments
Wimbledon winner Jannik Sinner has reinstated his former fitness coach, Umberto Ferrara, effective immediately, the Italian world No. 1 confirmed on Wednesday.
Last year, Sinner ended his collaboration with Ferrara and physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi following an investigation into his positive test for the prohibited substance clostebol.
“This decision was made in coordination with Jannik’s team as part of the plan for upcoming events, including the Cincinnati Open and the US Open,” a statement from Sinner’s team read. “Umberto has contributed significantly to Jannik’s progress over the years, and his return reinforces the commitment to maintaining high-level performance.”
Earlier this year, Sinner served a three-month suspension after reaching an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in February. Authorities acknowledged that clostebol, an anabolic agent, had unintentionally entered his system through treatments administered by Naldi during the Indian Wells tournament in March 2024.
WADA had previously challenged an independent tribunal’s decision from last August, which ruled that Sinner was not at fault.
Sinner returned to competition in May, losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open final before defeating him to claim the Wimbledon title. He stated that clostebol, known to aid muscle growth, entered his system after Naldi used an over-the-counter spray on a cut on his own hand before treating Sinner. The spray had been provided to Naldi by Ferrara. The tribunal concluded that Sinner bore no responsibility or negligence.
Speaking at last year’s US Open, Sinner explained his decision to separate from Ferrara and Naldi. “After these errors, I didn’t feel confident continuing with them. The past months have been challenging, waiting for the outcome. What I need now is a fresh start,” he said.
Ferrara, who previously attributed the incident to Naldi, worked with fellow Italian player Matteo Berrettini this year. Before Wimbledon, Sinner, 23, also parted ways with his trainer Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio.
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