Sinner slammed for 'astonishing PR move' amid rehiring of fitness trainer linked to positive tests

(Getty/Franco Arland)

Jannik Sinner's shock decision to reappoint fitness trainer Umberto Ferrara has caused widespread uproar just 11 months after the pair separated.

On Wednesday, Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the world No.1 had reunited with Ferrara, who is considered one of the best fitness coaches in Italy.

"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," a statement read 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."

However, Ferrara was part of Sinner's team when the four-time major winner tested positive two times for a banned substance, clostebol, at Indian Wells in March last year.

It was Sinner's physiotherapist at the time, Giacomo Naldi, who sprayed the illegal substance to treat a wound on his finger, before giving his player a massage.

In saying that, Ferrara purchased the spray, which Naldi then used.

Shortly after the news broke to the public in August 2024, before the US Open, Sinner parted ways with Ferrara and Naldi, explaining that he needed "clean air".

On the eve of Wimbledon, Sinner split with his fitness trainer Marco Panichi and physio Ulises Badio.

The update sent social media into a frenzy, with outspoken Aussie Nick Kyrgios noting "we have been played", while Australian tennis legend Paul McNamee referred to the controversial hiring as "one of the most astonishing PR moves in tennis history".

The 23-year-old won his second title of the season at Wimbledon after recently serving a three-month ban.

Sinner, along with Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper, will skip the next Masters 1000 tournament in Toronto starting next week.

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