Sep 6, 2024; Flushing, NY, USA; Jannik Sinner of Italy shakes hands with Jack Draper of Great Britain on day twelve of the U.S. Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

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Jannik Sinner Divulges Big Reason for Re-Hiring Team Member After Doping Saga

World No. 1 was suspended for three months in the beginning of 2025.

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has revealed the reason behind re-hiring a team member whom he had earlier fired in the aftermath of his doping controversy. Umberto Ferrara, Sinner’s fitness coach, was shown the exit doors nearly a year ago. Along with physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi, Ferrara was fired after Sinner’s positive tests for banned substance Clostebol in March.

The reunion with Ferrara came as a result of the 23-year-old parting ways with temporary appointments – fitness coach Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio. The decision to re-hire a controversial member of his team who had come under the scanner, was met with mixed reactions in the media. But after days of silence, Sinner finally revealed the reason behind the reconciliation.

Jannik Sinner has rehired fitness coach Umberto Ferrara.

(via @giovannipelazzo)

Source:https://t.co/9d88Uyr6bd pic.twitter.com/yxq1mxCCmF
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 23, 2025

In late July, the World No. 1’s team released a statement. “The decision has been made in alignment with Jannik’s management team as part of ongoing preparations for upcoming tournaments, including the Cincinnati Open and US Open. 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.”

Jannik Sinner Debriefs Reunion With Fitness Coach Ferrara

In February 2025, Jannik Sinner was handed a three month suspension from the professional tour. The World Anti Doping Agency, which had appealed against Sinner being cleared of wrongdoing, managed to reach an agreement with all parties involved. The Italian prodigy has been enjoying an outstanding 2025 campaign – including two Grand Slam titles and two runner-up finishes.

Responding to journalist Ben Rothenberg, Sinner spoke about the massive decision. “It was a different situation, now everything is different,” claimed the four-time major champion. “I felt like at this point, I needed someone who knew my body better. We worked together for two years before this break, [and] his work has brought me a lot of benefits.”

👇🇮🇹 Jannik Sinner on why he re-hired Umberto Ferrara as fitness coach:

“It was a different situation. Now everything is different. I felt like, at this point, I needed someone who knew my body better

“We worked together for about two years before this break. His work has… pic.twitter.com/qBn8TVV32f
— Olly Tennis 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) August 15, 2025

Sinner continued, “We worked on every area of my body – mobility, stability, and even my body’s endurance has improved. I think he [Ferrara] did a great job. I also got along well with Marco [Panichi], but maybe he wasn’t the best choice. I’ve always had a good feeling about Umberto.”

(Image Credits: Mike Frey, Imagn Images)

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Sankalp Harikrishnan

A passionate sports fan through and through, I am currently pursuing my MA in Global Sports Journalism. I specialise in tennis and football writing at The Playoffs News, and I have prior experience working at EssentiallySports and Sportskeeda. Born and raised in Bengaluru, India, sport was my safe space right from my childhood. After trying my hand at multiple sports and representing my educational institutions in cricket, badminton and table tennis, I found sports media to be my calling.