In a recent turn of events, Umberto Ferrara, the former physical trainer of tennis star Jannik Sinner, has publicly addressed his involvement in the doping controversy that led to Sinner’s three-month suspension. The scandal, which revolved around the banned substance clostebol, has sparked widespread debate in the sports world.
Ferrara, in his first public statement, firmly denied any wrongdoing and attributed the incident to the actions of Sinner’s former physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi. According to Ferrara, the substance was introduced inadvertently when Naldi used a spray containing clostebol for a personal injury and failed to follow proper precautions. Despite Ferrara’s explicit warnings about the product’s nature, Naldi reportedly treated Sinner without gloves and without washing his hands after using the spray.
Ferrara expressed regret over the situation, acknowledging that, in hindsight, he would have handled things differently. He emphasized his own efforts to ensure the banned substance did not come into contact with Sinner, stating that he had always kept the spray securely stored and had clearly communicated its risks.
This is what he said during an interview with Italian outlet “La Gazzetta dello Sport”
“Why did I buy that spray? I’ve been using it for years as it was prescribed by a specialist doctor as a support medication for a chronic condition.
I was fully aware of the ban and always kept it with the utmost care, in my personal toiletry bag. I didn’t hand anything to Naldi; I suggested he use it because he had a cut on his finger that wouldn’t heal and was making his work difficult. I was very clear in explaining to Naldi the nature of the product and the necessity that under no circumstances should it come into contact with Jannik.
In fact, I only allowed its use inside my personal bathroom. Naldi didn’t deny being informed, but he said he couldn’t remember. When I heard about the positive test, I felt disbelief and shock. Hearing about Clostebol, the connection with Trofodermin was immediate. Within a few hours, we reconstructed the steps that led to Jannik’s contamination, providing evidence of the spray’s purchase at a pharmacy in Bologna. In hindsight (…)
I would definitely not rely on others’ behavior anymore. It hurt me to see the superficiality, sometimes worsened by bad faith, with which many people treated my role in this affair.”
The controversy has had significant repercussions for all parties involved. Sinner, a three-time Grand Slam champion, admitted partial responsibility for the oversight and accepted a three-month suspension from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The suspension, which ends on May 4, allows Sinner to return in time for the French Open.
Ferrara, who has since joined the team of another tennis player, Matteo Berrettini, expressed frustration over the fallout from the incident. “I have suffered during this affair owing to the bad faith of some,” he remarked, highlighting the personal and professional challenges he has faced.
As the dust begins to settle, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in professional sports. For Sinner, Ferrara, and Naldi, the doping saga will undoubtedly remain a pivotal chapter in their careers.
Jannik Sinner in 2025
Now ranked no.1, Sinner played his last match on the 26th of January when he defeated world no.2 Alexander Zverev 6-3 7-6(4) 6-3 in the final of the Australian Open to win his 20th career title.
This season the Italian has a composed 7-0 match record. This year, Sinner won 1 tournament at the Australian Open.