World number one Jannik Sinner has reappointed fitness coach Umberto Ferrara, reuniting with a key member of his former support team nearly a year after parting ways over a doping-related controversy.
Ferrara and physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi exited Sinner’s team in August last year, five months after the Italian returned two positive tests for the banned substance clostebol.
Despite being cleared of intentional wrongdoing by an independent tribunal, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the decision, arguing that Sinner bore responsibility due to negligence within his team.
In February, Sinner reached a settlement with WADA and accepted a three-month ban. WADA acknowledged that the 23-year-old did not intend to cheat but emphasized that the doping violation resulted from “the entourage’s negligence.”
Sinner maintained that the banned substance entered his system when Naldi treated a cut on his hand using an over-the-counter spray that contained clostebol.
Ferrara, who holds a degree in pharmaceutical technology and was originally chosen by Sinner for his anti-doping expertise, admitted to supplying the spray to Naldi for personal use and warned him against using it on the player.
In a statement released by Sinner’s team, the reappointment of Ferrara was described as a strategic decision focused on performance and continuity. “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.”
Sources close to Sinner indicated the player believes Ferrara has learned from his past mistakes and can once again be trusted. Ferrara has been working with fellow Italian Matteo Berrettini since leaving Sinner’s team.
His return comes at a crucial time, as Sinner aims to maintain his dominance in the sport following a string of impressive performances, including a French Open final appearance and a victory over Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final—his fourth Grand Slam title.
Sinner, who made his competitive return at the Italian Open in May, had recently parted ways with his replacement fitness coach Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio before this year’s Wimbledon.
While questions remain over whether Ferrara will again oversee anti-doping responsibilities, Sinner’s camp has not provided a formal response. However, the Italian star believes reinstating a familiar and trusted figure is essential to sustaining his current level of success as the world’s top-ranked player.