Jannik Sinner rehires fitness coach who played role in doping ban

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner rehired Umberto Ferrara as his fitness coach just under a year after firing him for his role in his doping case.

Sinner, the reigning Wimbledon champion, parted ways with Ferrara and physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi following the investigation into his two positive tests for clostebol. The 23-year-old Italian said at the time that he was "not feeling that confident to continue with them."

Sinner, however, apparently had a change of heart after recently moving on from fitness coach Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio.

"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 U.S. Open," Sinner's team said in a statement. "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."

Sinner agreed to a three-month ban from tennis for violating anti-doping rules on Feb. 15.

He was sanctioned in August with minimal penalty after two positive tests for clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid. At the time, the International Tennis Integrity Agency said Sinner was not at fault.

--Field Level Media