Jannik Sinner believes his former fitness trainer will do well in his new role with Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini.
Umberto Ferrara was a member of Sinner’s team until earlier this year when news of the world No.1 avoiding a ban for failing two anti-doping tests was made public. Sinner tested positive for the anabolic steroid clostebol but was cleared to continue playing by The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) which concluded that he had no fault in the positive test.
It was accepted that his former physio, Giacomo Naldi, inadvertently contaminated the tennis player after using Trofodermin (which is available over the counter in Italy) for a cut on his hand which contains the banned substance. Ferrara, who was head of anti-doping compliance in Sinner’s team, was the person who gave Naldi the Trofodermin to use.
Despite the controversy, Ferrara will return to the Tour as part of Berrettini’s team for the new season. He has several years of experience in the sport, as well as a degree in pharmacy.
“I saw both of them on the last day in Monte Carlo, the only thing I can tell you is that Umberto is a good trainer, he will surely do a great job with Matteo,” Sinner told Italian media after his latest match at the ATP Finals.
“He has had many physical problems in the past and I think Umberto will do a great job.”
23-year-old Sinner is bidding to end his season on a high by becoming the first Italian to win the ATP Finals and has won all three of his round-robin matches. However, away from the court, he is still involved in a legal battle with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) who are appealing the ITIA’s decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). They argue that the tribunal ruling “is not correct under the applicable rules’ and are pushing for a ban of up to two years.
“I have been in this position three times already. Three times we had the hearing. Three times came to my way, which is positive. Of course, it’s not a position where I like to be in. But, you know, I’m going to work together with everyone, like I did before, then we see what comes out. I’m very positive of how it’s going to be.” Sinner commented on the ongoing case.
It is expected that the CAS will not reach a verdict until next year.
