Jannik Sinner breaks silence on rehiring fitness trainer involved in doping scandal

After firing fitness coach Umberto Ferrara over a failed doping test, tennis superstar Jannik Sinner reunited with his former trainer ahead of the 2025 Cincinnati Open.

The World No.1 tested positive for Clostebol, a prohibited substance, at last year's Indian Wells tournament. Following a lengthy legal process, Sinner was handed a three-month ban, which saw him miss much of the ATP season between this year's Australian Open and Roland Garros.

Nonetheless, the Italian would return to action at the French Open, where he finished runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz. Subsequently, Sinner would go on to avenge his loss in Paris when he defeated Alcaraz to win his maiden Wimbledon title a few weeks later.

Sinner and Ferrara parted ways just before last year's US Open, as the World No.1 fired his fitness trainer soon after the news of Sinner's positive doping results were made available. Ferrara was reportedly in charge of Sinner’s anti-doping compliance, and was subsequently let go once the news broke. But to the shock of everyone, the two have reunited as Sinner begins his campaign on the North American hard courts.

Ferrara's history with Sinner played a role in the hiring process

"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,” read a statement from Sinner's 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."

During his press conference at the Cincinnati Open, Sinner made a brief reference to his reunion with Ferrara.

"Yeah, I think we said it all, everything in the statement,” said the four-time Grand Slam champion. “I’m very happy to be here and play again this tournament.”

As the top seed in Cincinnati, Sinner received a bye in the first round. The two-time Australian Open champion will face Colombian qualifier Daniel Elahi Galán in the second round on Saturday.