Jannik Sinner's Title Defence Puts Trainer Reunion Under the Spotlight

Jannik Sinner is chasing a rare repeat win in Cincinnati, but his return to a trainer linked to his doping ban has drawn fresh attention. Every match now tests both his form and the scrutiny surrounding his team.

The world No. 1 opened his Cincinnati Open title defence with a commanding 59-minute win over Colombian qualifier Daniel Elahi Galan. The 6-1, 6-1 victory was the fastest completed match of his ATP career.

It was his first match since lifting the Wimbledon trophy in July, and he wasted no time taking control. Sinner's serve was a key weapon, saving the only break point he faced and using aggressive returns to keep Galan on the back foot.

The Italian, a four-time Grand Slam champion, noted that Cincinnati's quick conditions demand both accuracy and balance. 'The balls fly a lot, and it's very fast', he said. 'I served well today, but there are still many aspects I want to improve'.

Only Roger Federer has managed to defend the Cincinnati title in the past decade. Sinner is aiming to match that feat while navigating a season that has been far from straightforward.

Disruptions and unusual match moments

His run at the Cincy Open has already seen some unusual moments. In his third-round clash with Canadian Gabriel Diallo just earlier, a fire alarm sounded during the second game of the second set.

After a short delay, both players agreed to keep playing despite the noise and flashing lights, completing four points before the alarm stopped. The start of the match had already been pushed back due to a lengthy delay in the previous game caused by a power outage.

Sinner still took control, defeating Diallo 6-2, 7-6. The match highlighted his ability to adapt quickly, even in disruptive conditions, and he will be dealing with either Tommy De Paul or Adrian Mannarino ahead of the quarterfinals.

Skipping Toronto draws attention

Not all the headlines around Sinner this summer have been about tennis. The Toronto Masters tournament director publicly criticised him and Carlos Alcaraz for skipping this year's Canadian event after their Wimbledon final.

Officials have urged both players to appear in next year's edition in Montreal, pointing to changes in scheduling and prize incentives. For now, Cincinnati is Sinner's only hard-court tournament before the US Open.

Sinner's decision to limit events followed a strategic break from competition after Wimbledon. The pause, he explained, was to recover physically and mentally after a demanding season that included a doping ban and a gruelling French Open final loss.

Trainer reunion raises scrutiny

That ban came after a positive test for Clostebol, a prohibited substance, at last year's Indian Wells. Following a legal process, Sinner served a three-month suspension earlier this season, missing much of the period between the Australian Open and Roland Garros.

Ahead of the Cincinnati event, the world No.1 reunited with Umberto Ferrara, his former fitness trainer who had been in charge of his anti-doping compliance when the failed test occurred. The two had parted ways before the 2024 US Open when the news broke.

The reunion has sparked fresh interest in how Sinner manages his team and preparations. It adds another storyline to his title defence, alongside the on-court goals and the historical pursuit of back-to-back Cincinnati trophies.

With the US Open approaching, the Italian's ability to combine sharp form with steady handling of off-court scrutiny will be closely watched. His fastest win in Cincinnati shows the tennis is still there, but the season's bigger tests are only just beginning for Jannik Sinner.