World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has sparked controversy across the tennis world following his decision to re-appoint former fitness coach Umberto Ferrara, who was dismissed last year in the wake of Sinner’s doping case. The move has drawn immediate and sharp criticism, most notably from Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios, who posted on social media, “He got the same doc back… we have been played ladies and gentlemen.”
Background: Umberto Ferrara and the Doping Controversy
Umberto Ferrara was previously part of Jannik Sinner’s team but was let go in August 2024, alongside physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi, after an investigation into Sinner’s positive tests for the banned substance clostebol in March of the same year. The anabolic steroid, which can aid muscle growth, entered Sinner’s system inadvertently.
According to Sinner’s explanation, which was accepted by an independent tribunal, Ferrara had purchased an over-the-counter spray containing clostebol and given it to Naldi for a cut on Naldi’s finger. Naldi then treated Sinner without wearing gloves, leading to the accidental contamination. While Sinner was initially cleared of fault or negligence by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the exoneration. This ultimately led to Sinner agreeing to serve a three-month ban, which concluded before the Italian Open in May 2025.
Outcry from the Tennis Community
The decision to bring Ferrara back has caused significant backlash. Nick Kyrgios, a long-standing critic of Sinner’s doping case outcome, was quick to voice his displeasure on X (formerly Twitter), implying a sense of deception regarding the initial explanation and subsequent consequences. Kyrgios had previously called Sinner’s three-month ban, which did not result in any loss of titles or prize money, a “sad day for tennis” and criticized the perceived lack of consequences for elite athletes in doping cases.
Former Australian tennis professional Paul McNamee also expressed astonishment, stating on social media, “Jannik Sinner rehiring Umberta Ferrara has to be up there as one of the most astonishing PR moves in tennis history. You can afford to hire anyone in the world. Why oh why Jannik?” These reactions highlight a sentiment among some in the tennis community that the return of Ferrara undermines the seriousness of the prior doping incident.
Sinner’s Team’s Justification
Despite the public outcry, Sinner’s management team issued a statement on Wednesday confirming Ferrara’s immediate return. The statement emphasized that the decision was made “in alignment with Jannik’s management team as part of ongoing preparations for upcoming tournaments, including the Cincinnati Open and US Open.” It further added, “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.”
Recent Coaching Changes and Future Implications
The rehiring of Ferrara follows recent changes within Sinner’s support staff. Sinner had recently parted ways with fitness coach Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio. Sinner himself had declined to elaborate on the reasons for their departure, stating there wasn’t “one specific thing.”
The timing of Ferrara’s return is crucial as Sinner, fresh off his Wimbledon triumph, prepares for the Cincinnati Open next month and looks to defend his US Open title. This decision marks a significant and controversial shift in his professional team as he continues his career at the pinnacle of men’s tennis.
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