The tennis world eagerly anticipates the return of the reigning World No.1, Jannik Sinner, to the professional tour in May. Sinner’s absence from the court since his consecutive Australian Open victory has left a void in the sport, sparked by his agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for a three-month suspension on the eve of the Doha ATP 500.
The 23-year-old Italian sensation from Sesto Pusteria will be sidelined from ATP tour tournaments until May 4, just days before the commencement of the prestigious Rome Masters 1000. As anticipation builds for Sinner’s comeback, the Italian Tennis Federation President, Angelo Binaghi, has assured fans that the Foro Italico will roll out the red carpet for the young champion, promising a private suite to ensure his comfort in Rome.
There is growing speculation among fans and tennis insiders about the potential impact of Sinner’s three-month hiatus on his form. The Italian prodigy has been an unbeatable force over the past year, clinching nine titles from January 2024 to date, including three Grand Slam wins that have catapulted his career to new heights.
Despite the suspension, Sinner’s impressive lead in the ATP rankings remains unchallenged. Theoretical contenders Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz would have to surmount a colossal task to dethrone him, with odds stacked heavily in Sinner’s favor.
Former Italian tennis star Paolo Lorenzi, in a recent interview with ‘Il Corriere dello Sport’, shared his expectations for Sinner’s return. Lorenzi predicts a grand welcome for Sinner at the Foro Italico, reminiscing on his own experience as a player. He, however, urges patience, cautioning that Sinner might need some time to regain his competitive edge after a three-month break.
“Three months without playing is quite a long time,” Lorenzi reminds us, “despite the fact that he has been able to train and has not had any injuries. However, it won’t be easy even for a player like him to play his best tennis right away.”
As the countdown to Sinner’s return begins, the tennis world holds its collective breath, waiting to see if the Italian ace can continue his dominant run and meet the high expectations set by his fans and peers. Only time will tell if the break will impact his performance or fuel his drive for more victories.