World No. 1 tennis star Jannik Sinner has rehired fitness trainer Umberto Ferrara ahead of the US Open series, reversing a decision made last year when he parted ways with the trainer following a pair of failed doping tests in March 2024. According to a statement reported by Reuters, Sinner’s management team confirmed that the appointment is part of ongoing preparations for upcoming tournaments, including the Cincinnati Open and the US Open.
The coaching staff restructuring brings back a central figure from the team that guided the Italian player to the upper echelon of men’s professional tennis. Sinner’s camp noted in the Reuters report that Ferrara played an important role in the player’s athletic development, and his return reflects a renewed focus on continuity and performance at the highest level.
The Background of the Doping Case and 2024 Split
The reunion comes after a turbulent period that followed two positive tests for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol in March 2024. An independent tribunal cleared Sinner after he appealed that the failed tests resulted from accidental transdermal contamination. According to case records, his physiotherapist at the time, Giacomo Naldi, had used an over-the-counter spray containing clostebol to treat a cut on his finger before administering a massage to the player.
Although an independent tribunal cleared Sinner in August of last year, he dismissed both Ferrara and Naldi, stating at the time that he did not feel confident continuing with them after their mistakes. Sinner later served a three-month suspension between February and May following a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Interim Staff Changes and Grand Slam Success
Following the departures of Ferrara and Naldi, Sinner brought in trainer Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio, a former long-time member of Novak Djokovic’s team. During that collaboration, Sinner maintained his dominant form on tour, capturing the last year’s US Open title and the 2025 Australian Open crown, while also reaching the final at the French Open.
Ahead of Wimbledon, Sinner parted ways with Panichi and Badio, a move that prompted questions from observers before he navigated the grass-court major to claim the title. With the re-engagement of Ferrara, Sinner turns back to the training framework that underpinned his initial ascent to the top of men’s tennis.
Upcoming Schedule on the ATP Tour
Sinner’s immediate focus turns to outdoor hard-court preparation. The coaching staff adjustments are designed to provide stability as the world’s top-ranked player enters the North American summer swing, featuring the Cincinnati Open ahead of the US Open next month.
Related reading
