Jannik Sinner makes dramatic U-turn with his coaching team just weeks after winning the Wimbledon title

Jannik Sinner continues to make headlines on the ATP Tour for a whole host of reasons.

Earlier this month, Sinner won his fourth Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, defeating his rival Carlos Alcaraz in the final.

The Italian had made a stunning move before the tournament, as Sinner parted ways with two coaches, Marco Panichi and Ulises Badio.

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Fitness coach Panichi and physiotherapist Badio had joined Sinner’s team less than 12 months ago, ahead of the US Open swing.

During that period, it was revealed that Sinner had tested positive for banned substance Clostebol, which saw him part ways with coaches Umberto Ferrara and Giacomo Naldi, who received blame for the contamination.

“Because of these mistakes, I’m not feeling that confident to continue with them [Naldi and Ferrara],” Sinner said in an interview last year.

However, a year on, all seems to be forgiven, as Sinner makes a dramatic coaching U-turn.

Jannik Sinner brings back Umberto Ferrara to his coaching team

Sky Sports Italy has reported that Ferrara will rejoin Sinner’s team, replacing Panichi and Badio.

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“The athletic trainer Umberto Ferrara returns to Sinner’s team,” they said.

“He was removed in August [2024] due to the Closetebol case.”

It has also been reported that Ferrara will begin working with Sinner in Monte-Carlo immediately, as he ramps up preparations for the Cincinnati Open next month.

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However, while Ferrara returns, it doesn’t sound like Naldi will be joining him, as there is no news on that front.

The Clostebol contamination was said to have originated from Naldi, who applied a cream to his finger every morning that contained the substance.

Since their dismissal last year, Naldi hasn’t returned to the ATP Tour, but Ferrara has, working alongside another top Italian player.

Ferrara joined Matteo Berrettini’s team last November, and the pair worked together for seven months before splitting in June.

Only time will tell how long Sinner and Ferrara’s reconciliation will last, but it’ll certainly be interesting to see how things pan out.

Is this the right move for Jannik Sinner?

The subject of Sinner’s ‘Clostebol case’ is a sensitive one, as different fans rightly have different views.

Sinner was, however, widely praised for his decision to split with Ferrara and Naldi last year, as for some, that signified him moving on from the incident.

Bringing Ferrara back into the fold puts Sinner in the hot seat once more, as every decision he makes will be subject to more scrutiny than before.

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It’s understandable that after such upheaval within his team, Sinner would want a familiar face around, but perhaps waiting for another option would have been the smarter move.

There are plenty of world-class fitness trainers available, and very few come with the baggage that Ferrara brings.

Sinner may well be criticised for his decision, but he will have to refocus quickly in time for Cincinnati.

When will Jannik Sinner begin his Cincinnati Open title defence?

Following the world number one’s Wimbledon victory, Sinner withdrew from the Canadian Open, instead choosing to make his return in Ohio.

Sinner won the Cincinnati Open title last time out, defeating America’s Frances Tiafoe in the final.

The Italian will return as the number one seed in 2025, among a stacked field of world-class players.

Whilst the 2025 Cincinnati Open is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 4, Sinner will likely begin his campaign on Saturday, August 9 or Sunday, August 10, as he receives a first-round bye.

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