Anirudh, an engineer by training, has been contributing to Khel Now since 2024. He loves crafting inspiring stories.
Published at :July 24, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Modified at :July 24, 2025 at 7:49 PM
(Courtesy : @uferrara68/Instagram)
Jannik Sinner had earlier sacked Umberto Ferrara ahead of Wimbledon 2025.
Jannik Sinner, fresh off his Wimbledon 2025 triumph, has stirred fresh controversy by rehiring Umberto Ferrara as his fitness trainer. The ATP World No. 1 had previously dismissed Ferrara, along with physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi, from his team, just prior to the start of Wimbledon—allegedly holding them partly responsible for the three-month doping suspension that had sidelined him earlier this season.
While Sinner was cleared by the World Anti Doping Agency for taking performance enhancing drugs deliberately, he was still punished for negligence, and banned from all tennis action for a total of three months, after he triumphed at the Australian Open.
However, the sudden announcement has not gone down well with tennis fans and pundits, many of whom continue to question the handling of Sinner’s doping case. Leading the wave of criticism is Nick Kyrgios, who has been vocal in calling out the Italian throughout the controversy.
“He got the same doc back 😂😂😂 we have been played ladies and gentlemen,” wrote Kyrgios on X.
He got the same doc back 😂😂😂 we have been played ladies and gentlemen 🥔🥔🥔🥔🥔
Kyrgios has taken repeated jabs at Sinner, and this latest move has only fueled the fire. Rehiring a fitness coach potentially linked—directly or indirectly—to the negligence that led to his ban ension seems both unnecessary and ill-timed.
Even Sinner’s own fanbase appeared baffled by the decision, as backlash quickly erupted across social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
the only thing im gonna say about this is that firing marco and uli for an information breach and then going and hiring again that man is not a good look at all. he is basically throwing away the positive image he had after rg and wimbledon
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?
Jannik Sinner proves once again that he’s a liar How do you hire back the guy who « made you miss 2 doping tests by being negligent » ? This is an evident proof that that spray of clostebol was just a prepared excuse for actual doping pic.twitter.com/fl9ZBdFA3v
— Jannik Sinner is a cheater (@SinnerIsACheat) July 23, 2025
Ferrara back with Sinner? What a f***ing joke. Sinner reeks. Same shady people, same doping shit . And we’re just supposed to act like it’s all normal. Disgusting. 🤮 Clean sport? Integrity? Absolute clown show. 💊💊💊👏👏👏#dopinnerpic.twitter.com/NyHeyOMXen
Wtf.?? He reappointed the same fitness coach who put his whole career at risk?? So it was not negligence after all but total involvement in PED use. Does Sinner need a refill of the steroid so he appointed Umberto?? Fraud drug cheat. Corrupt tennis https://t.co/EljfiPnoFZ
So he fired him just to make it look accidental till he got 3 months vacation between 2 slams and tried to clean his image.Now that the danger of a ban is not there he rehires him.You just can’t make this sh*t up, Sinner fooling everyone around and tennis org permitting it. https://t.co/N41ArKvn09
my controversial opinion of the day is that Sinner should’ve been fully ban for +1 years because apparently a 3 month ban wasn’t enough to make him think about his staff. Like who in their right mind re-hire incompetent and negligent people again??
It's been an unethical game of chess all along. Keep Ferrara for 6 mo after testing + so he'd testify. Fire him in order to support simple negligence and have a scapegoat. Matteo hires him to keep him "in the family" and quiet. Panichi hired to protect the image and let time…
On a serious note, will Tennis become a clean sport again or will Jannik Sinner/ATP/ITIA/WADA continue to tarnish its image? Will this nightmare ever end? Will the Tennis fraternity grow a spine and raise questions against the blatant ignorance and corruption?
Jannik decided dose he was taking of Clostebol were not enough to win 4 in a row, now he brought his doping father back, it's all over he is winning 10 next majors.Sport just can't win over pharmacy. https://t.co/0PyIesgwGR
Tennis is doomed.Ferrara was key in winning Wimbledon through doping.After proving his effectiveness, he was rehired to continue supporting the doping program.It's a shame, and it's happening in plain sight.Don't let the Lance Armstrong story repeat itself. Ban sinner. https://t.co/OuVHvgXbDJ
Sinner received a three-month suspension from tennis after testing positive for a banned substance shortly after winning the 2025 Australian Open. While the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) found no evidence of intentional doping, he was held accountable for negligence, particularly in how his support team managed his supplements and recovery regimen.
Who is Umberto Ferrara and why is his rehiring by Sinner controversial?
Umberta Ferrara was Sinner’s former fitness coach, and his role came under scrutiny during the investigation into Sinner’s doping ban. Although no direct blame was assigned to him, Sinner had initially dismissed him along with his physiotherapist prior to Wimbledon 2025.
His return has sparked backlash, as many see it as poor judgment to bring back someone possibly tied to the mismanagement that led to his suspension.
What has been the public reaction to Ferrara’s return?
The announcement has triggered intense criticism from fans and former players on X (formerly Twitter). Comments range from accusations of manipulation to questioning Sinner’s professionalism. Notably, Nick Kyrgios mocked the decision, saying, “He got the same doc back, we have been played ladies and gentlemen”, further inflaming the controversy.
Could this impact Jannik Sinner’s reputation or ranking?
While his World No. 1 ranking remains unaffected, the incident risks tarnishing Sinner’s image especially after a career-defining Wimbledon win. Critics argue that the move reflects poor accountability and could raise questions about the transparency and integrity of his team moving forward.
Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.
