Jannik Sinner of Italy. Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Jannik Sinner's doping controversy takes new turn

By Sai Mohan | Last updated Jul 24, 2025 9:41 AM ET

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner is facing immense backlash for rehiring Umberta Ferrara, the same fitness trainer he fired a year ago for his role in the Italian's two failed doping tests.

Sinner made the shocking re-hire after recently firing fitness coach Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio from his team.

"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," read a statement from Sinner's team.

At last year's U.S. Open, Sinner blamed "the mistakes" of his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi, and Ferrara for his failed doping tests, while justifying his decision to fire both.

"Because of their mistakes, I'm not feeling confident to continue with them," Sinner said. "Right now, I just need some clean air."

Here is Jannik Sinner a few months ago explaining why he could no longer work with Umberto Ferrara or Giacomo Naldi again because of their mistakes in making him fail 2 drugs tests and he now needs some "clean air".

Today Sinner confirms Ferrara is back.pic.twitter.com/Otz1efYxhl
— Pavvy G (@pavyg) July 23, 2025

So, why exactly was Ferrara blamed for Sinner's failed doping tests?

The trainer purchased the over-the-counter spray Trofodermin, which contains Clostebol, to treat minor wounds, and gave it to Naldi, who used the product to treat a cut on Sinner's finger. As a result, Sinner was accidentally exposed to the steroid, which WADA later confirmed.

Now that Sinner has served his three-month suspension, he has brought back Ferrara. Many raised eyebrows over the controversial move, with former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios claiming that the tennis world has "been played" by Sinner and his team.

Elsewhere, former doubles World No. 1 Paul McNamee called Sinner's re-hire "one of the most astonishing PR moves in tennis history."

He got the same doc back we have been played ladies and gentlemen
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) July 23, 2025

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?
— Paul McNamee (@PaulFMcNamee) July 23, 2025

Sinner will get a chance to silence his critics at the upcoming U.S. Open, where he's the overwhelming favorite to repeat. Last year, the Italian dropped just two sets during a dominant two-week run, which culminated with a straight-sets finals win over Taylor Fritz.

Sai Mohan

A veteran sportswriter based in Portugal, Sai covers the NBA for Yardbarker and a few local news outlets. He had the honor of covering sporting events across four different continents as a newspaper reporter. Some of his all-time favorite athletes include Mike Tyson, Larry Bird, Luís Figo, Ayrton Senna and Steffi Graf.

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