'I HAVE BEEN HURT': SINNER'S FORMER TRAINER BREAKS SILENCE ON DOPING INVOLVEMENT

Umberto Ferrara pictured with Jannik Sinner holding his first Grand Slam trophy. (Getty/ Andy Cheung)

For the first time since his axing from Jannik Sinner's team, physical trainer Umberto Ferrara has shared his account of the infamous Closetbol massage, revealing he now "does not trust the behaviour of others".

Ferrara was fired along with physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi after one billionth of a gram was detected in Sinner’s system during last year’s Indian Wells event, leading to two positive doping tests.

By entering the code TFS2025 you will receive 15% off the RRP on all non-sale items when you shop online at www.racquetworld.com.au

Attempting to treat a cut on his finger, Naldi sprayed Clostebol, one of many prohibited substances on WADA’s banned list, to treat the wound. However, he didn’t wear gloves before massaging Sinner’s body.

"I have suffered severe damage to my personal and professional reputation," Ferrara explained.

"I have been using the spray Trofodermin for years as part of the treatment for a chronic illness I suffer from. It is prescribed by doctors, I knew it was banned for athletes, and I always carried it in my personal toiletry bag with all sorts of precautions.

"I suggested to Naldi to use it for a cut which had not healed and was affecting his work.

"I was absolutely clear when I spoke to him about the nature of the product and it was imperative it never came into contact with Jannik.

"In effect, I told him to use it only in my bathroom.

"Naldi did not deny he had been told, but he said he could not recall."

Although the cause of the positive tests were easily traced, Ferrara admitted he didn’t expect Naldi to show such negligence at an experienced level, which has impacted him personally.

"Considering all the warnings I gave him, I could not imagine he had treated Sinner without gloves," he said.

"As soon as we found out that Clostebol was the banned substance, I realised where it came from, and we were quickly able to explain everything that happened. In fact, I provided evidence of purchasing the spray myself at a pharmacy in Bologna.

"I have been hurt by how superficially this issue has been handled, even with ill intent, and what is clear to me is that I would not trust the behaviour of others."

Ferrara, now the physical trainer of former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini, credited Sinner for "showing extraordinary maturity" in handling an unfortunate situation.

Sinner returns to action in the second week of May for the Rome Masters.

Experience the perfect blend of passion and performance at Racquet World, the ultimate destination for tennis enthusiasts throughout Australia. Explore their extensive selection of Tennis, Padel, and Pickleball gear. For all First Serve listeners by entering the code TFS2025 you will receive 15% off the RRP on all non-sale items at their online store - www.racquetworld.com.au