In 2024, tennis star Jannik Sinner of the doping was convicted. In 2025 he agreed with the Wada on a deal and a three -month lock. Anyone who was the main person responsible for the whole Splarass is out of the question for ex-athletics coach Umberto Ferrara.
Athletics coach Umberto Ferrara lost his job in the team of Jannik Sinner shortly after the doping affair became known. However, he does not want to kick against the tennis star. According to him, the physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi, who has now also dismissed, is responsible for the contaminated sample of the superstar.
In an interview with the “Gazzetta Dello Sport”, Ferrara revealed that he was prescribed by his own doctor, which was ultimately fateful, and was still using it at the “time of the crime”. “I was completely aware that it was forbidden, so I always kept it safely in my pocket,” he assured.
Ex-coach with a clear announcement to Sinner Physio
When Naldi had a wound in spring 2024 that did not heal, he recommended the physiotherapist to treat the spray. “I was absolutely clear when I talked to him about the product that it is essential not to let it come into contact with Jannik. I told him he should only use it in my bathroom,” reported Ferrara.
Naldi did not deny this statement at the hearing, but indicated that he could not remember it.
Ferrara claims that he did not know that Naldi carried out the serious Sinner massage without gloves and without prior washing the hands after using the spray for himself. “Especially after the warning that I gave him.”
In retrospect, he would handle the whole story differently, the athletics coach said: “Of course I am not proud of the behavior of others. During this affair, I suffered from others. I hope that sooner or later I will be able to tell what happened and can draw a big picture. Just as the story is told in public, it seems like it was just my mistake.