Three weeks after lifting his third Grand Slam trophy, Jannik Sinner is back! The world number one is returning to action at the Italian Open following a three-month ban for two failed doping tests in March 2024. Even though an independent panel cleared Sinner of wrongdoing after he tested positive for clostebol, the 23-year-old was still handed a suspension. The verdict said he had to take responsibility “for [his] entourage’s negligence.” The ban ended on Sunday night, and now, the Italian is all set to make his comeback, right at home at the Italian Open. But it’s a rocky road back in Rome!
Defending his Australian Open title had already put him far ahead in the rankings. Sinner had built a massive lead of 3,695 points over Alexander Zverev, the man he beat in the Melbourne final.
During Jannik Sinner’s suspension, four Masters events were up for grabs. It looked like a good window for either Zverev or Carlos Alcaraz to catch up. But both players missed the mark. Neither could seriously cut into the gap, which means when Sinner returns to the court this week, he’ll still be the world’s top-ranked player. This will also be the 23-year-old’s first appearance at the Italian Open since 2023. He missed the event last year due to injury. His record in Rome stands at 9 wins and 5 losses—a solid foundation as he eyes a deep run. So what does his path look like?
The top seed begins with a first-round bye. In his opening match, he’ll take on either world number 99 Mariano Navone or Italy’s 17-year-old wildcard Federico Cina. From there, the road could get bumpy. Sinner is projected to meet 25th seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina or Germany’s Zizou Bergs in round three. Then, he’s expected to face either 15th seed Frances Tiafoe or 17th seed Francisco Cerundolo.
If Sinner reaches the quarter-finals, he’s likely to meet sixth seed Casper Ruud, who just won the Madrid Open. The good news? Sinner leads their head-to-head 3-0. But Ruud’s current form makes this one to watch. Other names in his section include American Ben Shelton and fellow Italian Matteo Berrettini. If either of them makes a run, Sinner could face them instead in the quarters.
Jannik Sinner’s potential path to the final on his first tournament back on the Tour
R128: Bye
R64: Navone/Cinà
R32: Davidovich Fokina/Bergs
R16: Tiafoe/Cerundolo
Quarterfinal: Ruud/Shelton/Berrettini
Semifinal: Fritz/De Minaur/Paul/Rublev
Final: Zverev/Alcaraz/Draper/Musetti…
— Internazionali BNL d’Italia (@InteBNLdItalia) May 5, 2025
In the semi-finals, the path doesn’t get any easier. Fourth seed Taylor Fritz is a strong contender in that section and reached the Rome quarter-finals last year. Sinner leads their head-to-head 4-1. Still, Fritz on clay is a growing threat. Other semi-final possibilities include Alex de Minaur, Tommy Paul, or Andrey Rublev.
If the Italian goes all the way, the final could offer a blockbuster match-up. A showdown with Carlos Alcaraz is on the cards—but only if both make it that far. Alcaraz has been nursing an adductor injury after his run to the Barcelona final, but he’s entered in Rome for just the second time. Their head-to-head is close, with Alcaraz leading 6-4.
There’s also the chance of another rematch with Alexander Zverev. The German is a two-time Italian Open champion and the defending titleholder. A final between the two would be a repeat of their Australian Open clash earlier this year. Let’s not forget Jack Draper. The British lefty is now ranked No.5 in the world after finishing runner-up in Madrid. He’s another possible final opponent. And for Italian fans, there’s the dream of an all-Italian final. Lorenzo Musetti, now world No.9, is in great form and could bring that narrative to life.
Sinner was allowed to return to full practice on April 13, 2025, under the terms of his ban. But he does admit that the first few games in Rome will be “really difficult.” Apart from that, there is also the awkward tension in the locker room that the Italian will have to deal with.
Jannik Sinner opens up on how players have treated him “differently”
Though WADA confirmed Jannik Sinner didn’t gain any advantage and had no fault in the contamination, reactions were strong. Serena Williams posted that she would have been banned for 20 years and stripped of her titles. Tim Henman called the agreement “too convenient,” and Stan Wawrinka said he “did not believe in clean sport anymore.”
Speaking to Italian broadcaster RAI, the World No.1 opened up about how difficult the experience has been. The 23-year-old said, “I didn’t really feel comfortable in the locker room, where I ate. It was a bit like some players looked at me differently and I didn’t like it at all,” he said. “I felt like being in tennis, with that atmosphere, was too much. I was always someone who joked about, who went in the dressing room speaking with whoever, but it became different. I wasn’t at ease. I didn’t feel comfortable and then I said, maybe after Australia, a little bit of free time, in the sense where I take a little break, it will do me good.”
Despite the criticism and the cold stares in the locker room, Sinner is ready to compete again. Before heading to Roland-Garros, he’s also expected to play the Hamburg Open, which takes place the week before the French Open. He’s not easing back in, but diving straight into clay season. His return in Rome could be emotional, unpredictable, and definitely worth watching. Will his comeback story have the ending Italian fans are hoping for? What do you think?
The post Smooth Sailing for Jannik Sinner Upon Italian Open Return But Tough Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud Challenge Awaits appeared first on EssentiallySports.
