Jannik Sinner returns in Cincinnati with controversial fitness trainer in tow

CINCINNATI, Ohio—Jannik Sinner declined to comment on Wednesday at the Cincinnati Open after being asked about his decision to rehire a controversial fitness coach previously linked to his doping case.

The world No. 1 twice tested positive for clostebol—a steroid known to aid in muscle growth—in March 2024. In his defense, Sinner named fitness trainer Umberto Ferrara as the person who purchased an over-the-counter spray for cuts that contained clostebol. That spray was later applied to Sinner by physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi.

After the case became public, Sinner dismissed both Ferrara and Naldi in August 2024. But in a surprise move ahead of the Cincinnati Open, he announced the return of Ferrara.

Read More: Jannik Sinner rehires Umberto Ferrara, the fitness coach he fired for his role in doping case

A brief statement from Sinner’s camp offered little explanation:

"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."

Sinner served a three-month ban for the doping violation, reaching a settlement with WADA that allowed him to return in time for his home tournament in Rome following his Australian Open win.

Read More: Jannik Sinner's doping case: A complete timeline of how it unfolded, on and off the court

During Media Day in Cincinnati, Sinner deflected questions about Ferrara’s return, doubling down on what was said in the official announcement:

“Yeah, I think we said it all, everything in the statement,” Sinner said. “I’m very happy to be here and play again this tournament.”

The rehire is the latest chapter in a series of coaching and support team changes since his positive tests in 2024.

Following the doping fallout, Sinner parted ways with both Ferrara and Naldi in August 2024, citing the need for “clean air” after their “mistakes.” Ferrara then joined Matteo Berrettini’s team for a brief stint before their split in June 2025.

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 statement

Sinner brought on athletic trainer Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio in September 2024. The partnership yielded titles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. However, Sinner abruptly announced their departure three days before Wimbledon—again offering little detail:

"Nothing major happened. Nothing big happened. I parted ways not long ago, but it's not affecting me. I feel ready to compete. I feel free. I feel me and my team, we are ready to do the best we can,” Sinner told press in London.

"We've reached incredible results in the past with them, so obviously huge thanks to them. We made some great job, but I decided to do something different."

Now back in action at the CIncinnati Open, with Ferrara once again part of his team, Sinner returns for his first tournament since capturing his second major of the year at Wimbledon.

He took a well-earned break afterward, spending time with family and friends and sitting out the National Bank Open in Toronto due to a right elbow injury sustained in a fall at Wimbledon.

“This one was very different, because of what I had at the Grand Slam before (at Roland Garros) and what happened there,” Sinner said in Cincinnati. “Coming back and showing this kind of level, also, at times, surprised me too.

“I’m obviously very happy that I took some time off after, you know, and seeing my family and friends and very important people who I have around me.

“After that, of course, it’s back to practice and trying to be as ready as possible for this US swing—which is very important too. But yeah, it felt very, very special.”

Sinner, the defending champion, received a first-round bye and will face either Vit Kopriva or a qualifier/lucky loser in his opener. Catch the action live on Tennis Channel.