Jannik Sinner Aims for a Tough Comeback Following Doping Suspension as Italian Open Approaches

Key Takeaways

Jannik Sinner returns to tennis after a doping ban.
His suspension ends just before the Italian Open.
Sinner aims to regain his competitive edge.
He acknowledges the challenges ahead.
Time away helped him grow personally.

New Delhi, April 26 (NationPress) After a challenging three-month hiatus from competitive tennis, Jannik Sinner is gearing up to return to the court, bearing the burden of anticipation, redemption, and renewed drive.

The 23-year-old Italian, who has maintained his world number one status despite a doping ban, is set to make his eagerly awaited comeback at the Italian Open in Rome, starting May 7.

Sinner’s time away from the game has been both controversial and complex. After clinching the Australian Open at the beginning of the season, he seemed ready for a stellar year. However, two positive drug tests soon overshadowed his ascent, prompting an investigation.

Initially cleared, Sinner ultimately agreed to a three-month suspension in February following a negotiated settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency. His ban concludes on May 4, enabling him to re-enter the tour just in time for his home event.

Despite the interruption, Sinner remains firmly in first place in the ATP rankings, a position strengthened after his closest competitor, Alexander Zverev, faced an early elimination at the Monte Carlo Masters. Yet, Sinner acknowledges that the path back will not be easy.

“We are training very hard. I hope to gain some momentum as we approach the clay season. It certainly won’t be straightforward for me,” Sinner remarked to ORF Südtirol. “The initial matches will be quite challenging. But I hope to regain my rhythm and see how things unfold.”

Since resuming training on April 13, Sinner has concentrated on enhancing his fitness, particularly in preparation for the French Open, which begins on May 25. He recently practiced with Jack Draper, the UK’s emerging star and world number six, at the picturesque Tennis Club de Beaulieu in France, incorporating match-style sessions into his physical conditioning.

Reflecting on his time off, Sinner believes it wasn’t entirely detrimental. In fact, he sees it as an unexpected opportunity for growth.

“At the start of the three months, it was quite pleasant,” Sinner admitted. “A little time away from the daily grind. I spent quality moments with family and friends. I engaged in new activities and got to know myself better, discovering my current state. I think it benefitted me greatly.”