Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Tennis, Jannik Sinner
Ben McCrum
Tennis legend Bjorn Borg has questioned one strange detail about current star Jannik Sinner's recent doping ban.
Back in February, current tennis men's world number two Sinner was handed a three-month ban from the sport due to a doping violation.
The 24-year-old had twice tested positive for the banned substance clostebol in March last year, just days before he went on to win the 2024 US Open by defeating Taylor Fritz in the final.
Following an independent hearing surrounding a healing spray that was bought by a member of Sinner's physiotherapy team, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and Sinner's team agreed to a a three-month ban.
Advert
After serving the ban, Sinner has continued to show why he's one of the best in the world, reaching the final in the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open, but there's still one question that tennis legend Borg has about the ban.
Five months after Sinner returned the two positive tests, it was announced that fitness coach Umberto Ferrara and physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi had both left the Italian's team.
Ferrara admitted to giving Naldi the healing spray that Sinner spoke of, but claimed he had warned not to use it on the tennis star.
Advert
However, in July it was announced that Sinner had made the decision to reappoint Ferrara as his fitness coach, a decision that Borg has raised questions about.
Speaking to Norwegian TV host Fredrik Skavlan, he said: "What I find strange with when they accused Sinner, the world number two now, for doping. He fired one of his trainers, the fitness coach.
"And then, once everything had settled down, he hired the same fitness coach again. I find that very strange."
Advert
Following the departures of Ferrara and Naldi, Marco Panichi was appointed as Sinner's new fitness coach with physiotherapist Ulises Badio also joining.
But just months after their arrival, Sinner parted ways with both men shortly before this year's Wimbledon, leaving the door open for Ferrara's return.
"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," a statement from Sinner's team announcing Ferrara's appointment read.
"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 US Open."