Individuals familiar with Sinner’s thinking shared with BBC Sport that he believes Ferrara, formerly affiliated with Matteo Berrettini, has grown from past experiences.
Ferrara holds a qualification in pharmaceutical science and was initially selected by Sinner to provide guidance on matters related to anti-doping protocols.
The initial independent hearing determined that Ferrara supplied the spray to Naldi, issuing a caution, but aware it contained a banned compound and that the physio would apply it to Sinner directly.
A key aspect of his defense, detailed in the tribunal’s ruling from the previous August, was that Sinner’s counsel posited that “the player is accountable not for the severity of Mr. Ferrara’s error, but for his initial selection of Mr. Ferrara and his oversight of his actions.”
In reaching an accord with Sinner, Wada stated that Sinner’s positive test stemmed from the “carelessness of individuals associated with him” and that, as stipulated in their regulations, an athlete is responsible for such oversight.
BBC Sport has sought confirmation from Sinner’s personnel regarding whether Ferrara will reassume responsibilities relating to anti-doping compliance.
However, Sinner is confident in his renewed faith in Ferrara and – critically for a competitor pursuing major titles – perceives the integration of a trusted individual as critical to his continued standing at the sport’s highest echelons.
