ROME – Wimbledon champion and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner has rehired Umberto Ferrara as his fitness coach, nearly a year after Ferrara was dismissed due to his involvement in Sinner’s doping case. The surprising reunion comes on the heels of Sinner’s recent decision to part ways with fitness coach Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio.
Sinner’s team announced Ferrara’s immediate re-appointment on Wednesday, stating, “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.” No further specific reasons were provided for Ferrara’s return, beyond alignment with Sinner’s management for upcoming tournaments like the Cincinnati Open and U.S. Open.
The Context of Ferrara’s Initial Dismissal
Ferrara’s initial departure stemmed from a doping incident that came to light in August last year, though the positive tests for a trace amount of the anabolic steroid Clostebol occurred in March. Sinner was initially cleared of wrongdoing, with his defense attributing the exposure to a massage from his then-physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi. It was revealed that Ferrara had purchased a product in Italy containing Clostebol for Naldi to treat a cut on his finger. Naldi then treated Sinner without wearing gloves, inadvertently transferring the substance.
Following the incident, Sinner dismissed both Naldi and Ferrara. While Naldi has not been rehired, Ferrara briefly worked with fellow Italian player Matteo Berrettini. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed Sinner’s initial exoneration, leading to Sinner agreeing to a three-month ban that concluded before the Italian Open in May of this year.
Recent Team Shake-Up and Future Outlook
The latest changes in Sinner’s support staff began after his grueling five-set loss to Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open last month, when Panichi and Badio were no longer part of his team. Notably, Sinner did not have full-time trainers with him when he went on to defeat Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final.
Ferrara, who is also a qualified pharmacist, first joined Sinner’s team in 2022. His return to the world No. 1’s camp signifies a significant shift in Sinner’s professional setup as he prepares to defend his U.S. Open title and compete in other major tournaments. The decision to bring back a familiar face, despite the past controversy, suggests a prioritization of continuity and an established understanding of Sinner’s physical preparation, especially as he aims for continued success at the highest level of tennis. Sinner is set to resume training in Monte Carlo this week after his post-Wimbledon break.
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