“Absolutely Disappointed” – Fans Question Jannik Sinner’s Decision to Rehire Umberto Ferrara as Fitness Coach

Umberto Ferrara was one of the people behind the dark story of Jannik Sinner's doping scandal.

“Absolutely Disappointed” – Fans Question Jannik Sinner’s Decision to Rehire Umberto Ferrara as Fitness Coach

Jannik Sinner and Umberto Ferrara (via BBC)

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Jannik Sinner has made another significant change to his coaching team by rehiring fitness coach Umberto Ferrara. This move comes just weeks after Sinner split with Marco Panichi, whom he had hired in September 2024. Panichi, along with physiotherapist Ulises Badio, had been brought in after Sinner’s earlier team shake-up, but the Italian announced before Wimbledon that both were no longer part of his setup.

Ferrara previously worked with Sinner between 2022 and 2024. During that time, the pair enjoyed major success, including Sinner’s first Grand Slam title at the 2024 Australian Open and his rise to world No. 1 in June.

However, their partnership ended shortly before the 2024 US Open after Sinner tested positive for clostebol in March. The banned substance was linked to a massage involving physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi, who had used a clostebol-based spray on advice from Ferrara.

An independent investigation cleared Sinner of wrongdoing, stating that he bore no fault for the failed test. Despite the controversy, he went on to win the US Open and brought in Panichi and Badio, who had previously worked with Novak Djokovic. The new team led Sinner to victory at the 2025 Australian Open and a runner-up finish at the French Open.

Following his recent Wimbledon win, Sinner has opted to bring Ferrara back into his inner circle, although he has yet to announce a new physiotherapist. Ferrara will now join coaches Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill. While Cahill had earlier said he would retire at the end of the season, he hinted at continuing after Sinner’s strong performance at Wimbledon.

Fans Blast Jannik Sinner on his decision

World No.1 Jannik Sinner has come under heavy criticism after reappointing Umberto Ferrara as his fitness coach. Many fans were shocked by the decision, as Ferrara was previously dismissed due to his involvement in a doping controversy that affected Sinner’s reputation.

Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner

The world No. 1 had only recently split with fitness coach Marco Panichi and has now turned back to someone tied to one of the most controversial periods of his career. Here are some of the reactions from fans:

Ferrara, who holds a degree in pharmaceutical technology, first joined Sinner’s team in 2022. He played a key role in Sinner’s rapid rise, helping him improve physically and climb the ATP rankings. Under Ferrara’s guidance, Sinner reached several Grand Slam quarter-finals in 2022 and had a breakthrough year in 2023. In 2024, he won the Australian Open and added more titles in Rotterdam, Miami, and Halle, showing remarkable consistency.

However, controversy erupted when Sinner tested positive for the banned substance clostebol in March 2024. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) later revealed that Ferrara had supplied physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi with a medication containing clostebol. Although Ferrara reportedly warned Naldi about the contents, he was also aware that treatments were often done without gloves, increasing the risk of contamination.

Despite testing positive twice, Sinner avoided suspension after an investigation cleared him of wrongdoing. The ITIA ruled that he bore no fault and blamed the incident on the carelessness of his team, particularly Ferrara and Naldi. Both were removed from Sinner’s staff shortly after the findings were released. Now, with Ferrara’s return, many are questioning Sinner’s judgment and whether trust can be restored.

Jannik Sinner seeks history at the US Open

Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner has been the standout player on the ATP Tour over the past 20 months. He has won four of the last seven Grand Slam events, the 2023 ATP Finals, and helped Italy to two Davis Cup victories. In 2025, Sinner secured titles at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon. He also came within a point of capturing the French Open, showing his dominance across all surfaces.

Jannik Sinner (3)
Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Jannik Sinner HQ)

The Italian will now aim to defend his US Open crown in September. A win would not only maintain his world No. 1 ranking but also allow him to match Carlos Alcaraz’s current Grand Slam total. If successful, Sinner would become only the fifth man in the past 50 years to win three Grand Slam titles in a single season. This achievement would put him alongside several tennis legends who reached similar milestones.

Mats Wilander first accomplished the feat in 1988. That year, he won the Australian Open, the French Open, and the US Open. His title runs included memorable wins over players like Stefan Edberg, Andre Agassi, and Ivan Lendl. Wilander remains the only male player to win the Australian Open on both grass and hard courts. His consistency and ability to adapt to different surfaces made that season his career peak.

Other players who have achieved this rare triple include Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Federer managed it three times between 2004 and 2007, while Nadal completed his trio in 2010. Djokovic, however, has done it a record four times — in 2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023. Each run required beating top players in tough matches, proving how difficult the accomplishment is. Now, Sinner stands on the brink of joining this elite club.

Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz Officially Withdraws from the Canadian Open Days After Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic Did the Same