Jannik Sinner’s ex-fitness coach breaks silence on ‘doping’ saga: “I suffered serious damage. I was very clear with Naldi”
Umberto Ferrara gave his account of events.
Giacomo Naldi (L) and Umberto Ferrara (R) with Jannik Sinner. (Virginie Bouyer / Panoramic)
When the news of Jannik Sinner‘s two failed doping tests came to light in August of 2024, it set the tennis world alight and caused intense discussion. This was especially true given that the public were not informed of the failed tests at the time that they occurred – in March of that year.
At the same time, it was also announced that the Italian had won over an independent tribunal with his story of how he was contaminated with very-low levels of clostebol – a banned anabolic steroid – and that, as a result, he would not receive a suspension.
The tribunal found that Sinner had ‘no fault or negligence’ due to the contamination occurring from his physio Giacomo Naldi, who had previously used a spray containing the substance to treat a minor finger wound – before massaging his pupil without gloves.
Since the tribunal, the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the decision and was set to take the Italian to court, however, the two parties agreed to a settlement which detailed that the defending Australian Open champion would be suspended for three months.
In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, the world No 1’s former fitness coach Umberto Ferrara broke his silence and detailed his version of events. “It was right to wait for the pronouncement of the competent bodies, which does not question my work. I have suffered serious damage to my personal and professional reputation,” Ferrara stated.
“Everyone has read articles or comments that reported the facts in a way that did not comply with what was ascertained by the Independent Court with the sentence of August 19.”
“I have been using it [the Trofodermin spray] for years as it is prescribed by the specialist doctor as a support drug for a chronic disease. I was perfectly aware of the ban and I have always kept it with the utmost caution, in my personal bathroom.”
I was very clear in communicating to Naldi the nature of the product and that there was no need for it to come into contact with Jannik
The Italian’s ex-fitness coach also went on to point his finger of blame firmly towards the physio, Naldi:
“I didn’t give anything to Naldi, I suggested that he use it because he had a cut on his finger that didn’t heal and made his job complicated. I was very clear in communicating to Naldi the nature of the product and that there was no need for it to come into contact with Jannik.
“In fact, I have allowed it to be used only inside my personal bathroom. Naldi did not deny that he had been informed, but said he did not remember”.
“Disbelief and amazement,” continued Ferrara, upon reflecting on his emotions after hearing of the positive tests.
“Hearing about clostebol, the connection with Trofodermin was immediate. In a few hours we reconstructed the steps that led to Jannik’s contamination and I provided evidence of the purchase of the spray at a pharmacy in Bologna.”
“In hindsight it’s easy to say that I wouldn’t do the same things again. Surely, I would no longer rely on the behavior of others. I was made to suffer by the superficiality, sometimes aggravated by bad faith, with which many people treated my position within the affair”.
Three days following the August bombshell, the three-time Grand Slam champion announced that he would be parting ways with both men after “losing confidence” in their abilities.
“Despite being only 23, he has shown an uncommon maturity in dealing with the story, in my opinion supported by the correct conviction of being in the right,” Ferrara commented, despite acknowledging the painful end of the collaboration.
The last time we saw each other was in Doha and we said goodbye. I suffered a lot from the end of the relationship
“He has a special work ethic and dedication, this approach leads him to continually raise the bar. Working with Jannik is rewarding and challenging. The last time we saw each other was in Doha and we said goodbye. I suffered a lot from the end of the relationship, but I was aware that it could be one of the possible epilogues”.
Since they split ways prior to the 2024 US Open, the fitness coach has joined Matteo Berrettini’s team in the same role.
Sinner is due to return to the professional tour at the Rome Masters, beginning May 7.
