Jannik Sinner Reappoints Old Coach Umberto Ferrera, Who Was Dismissed After WADA Suspension
Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner rehires Umberto Ferrara as his fitness coach for the hard-court season, after previously parting ways due to a doping controversy with clostebol.
Wimbledon champion and current world number one Jannik Sinner has officially reappointed Umberto Ferrara as his fitness coach, effective immediately.
The announcement was confirmed on Wednesday by Sinner's camp, marking a significant step in the Italian's preparations for the upcoming hard-court season.
Ferrara previously worked with Sinner before the two parted ways last year, along with physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi, following an investigation into Sinner's positive test for the banned substance clostebol.
'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 U.S. Open," read an official statement from Sinner's team.
'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."
Suspension and Clostebol Controversy
Sinner served a three-month suspension earlier this year after reaching a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Authorities accepted that the anabolic steroid clostebol entered his body unintentionally, through massages administered by Naldi during the Indian Wells tournament in March 2024.
According to Sinner, clostebol—a substance known for enhancing muscle growth—was introduced to his system after Naldi used an over-the-counter spray on a cut on his own hand before treating the player. The spray, it was later revealed, had been supplied to Naldi by Ferrara.
WADA initially appealed an independent tribunal's decision in August 2024 to clear Sinner of wrongdoing, taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). However, the tribunal ultimately found Sinner to be without fault or negligence.
'I Needed Some Clean Air"
Speaking candidly at last year's U.S. Open about his decision to part ways with Ferrara and Naldi, Sinner said:
'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."
Ferrara had placed responsibility for the incident on Naldi and, in the time since, worked alongside fellow Italian star Matteo Berrettini.
Now 23, Sinner recently made headlines with his impressive return to form. After reaching the French Open final, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz, he avenged the defeat by beating the Spaniard to claim his first Wimbledon title.
Prior to Wimbledon, Sinner also parted ways with trainer Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio, further signaling a reshaped support team ahead of a critical phase in his career.
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