Controversial Fitness Coach Makes a Comeback, Drawing Criticism from Detractors
Jannik Sinner, the current world number one tennis player, has rehired his former athletic trainer Umberto Ferrara, following a nearly year-long separation. The decision was announced at a press conference in Cincinnati, where Sinner emphasized the need for continuity and trust in his physical preparation for upcoming tournaments such as the Cincinnati Open and the US Open.
The reunion comes after Sinner tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid Clostebol in March 2024. The positive test occurred during a massage administered by Sinner's former physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi, with the spray containing Clostebol obtained by Ferrara to treat a finger injury. Despite the controversy surrounding Ferrara's involvement, Sinner defended the decision, stating that Ferrara's familiarity with his body was crucial at this moment.
Sinner initially parted ways with both Ferrara and Naldi in August 2024. However, Sinner believes that Ferrara did a great job in improving various aspects of his performance during their two-year collaboration before the doping scandal. Sinner's focus is now on refocusing on continuity and performance at the highest level, as mentioned in a previous paragraph.
It is not explicitly stated in the article why Sinner decided to reinstate Ferrara. The article does not provide information on whether Giacomo Naldi has returned to working with Sinner. Sinner was suspended for three months starting in February 2025 due to a violation of anti-doping regulations.
When asked by tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg, Sinner explained that Ferrara had helped him a lot during their collaboration before the doping scandal. Sinner had lost trust due to the incident and the role of his former trainers, but he prioritized the professional benefits and their established working relationship over the past mistakes.
The article does not provide information on whether Giacomo Naldi has returned to working with Sinner. The reunion of Sinner and Ferrara has been controversial, raising questions about judgment and trust in some quarters. However, Sinner emphasized that everything is different now, highlighting Ferrara’s effective work on his mobility, stability, and endurance during the two years they had worked together before the break.
Sinner resumed his collaboration with Umberto Ferrara, his former athletic trainer, who had assisted him significantly in enhancing various aspects of his performance before the doping scandal. Sinner's decision to rehire Ferrara, despite the controversy, was based on the professional benefits and their established working relationship.
