“It certainly won’t be easy for me. First, games will be really difficult, but hopefully I’ll be able to get back into the rhythm,” Jannik Sinner admitted, less than a month before his Rome return. Despite a three-month suspension that began February 9-keeping him from tournaments, Sinner’s momentum never truly faded. He dominated the Australian Open for his second straight title, collected eight trophies, and climbed to World No. 1, all while a doping controversy loomed. However, after three months away from action, will he return with the same charisma? Andy Roddick isn’t worried about the extra pressure that Sinner might have to deal with on his comeback.
Sinner missed major events like the Middle East swing, the Sunshine Double, and the Madrid Open during his three-month suspension. So, will his comeback be tough? Andy Roddick told Tennis Channel, “Who knows?” He gets why Sinner might feel pressure, but urges fans to focus on what Jannik achieved when he was there.
“I worry about him zero over the long term, but if it’s just a small sample size back into Rome, losing a small sample size can tell many deep stories. I’m not worried about how he hits the ball; I’m not worried about his movement,” the former US Open champion further added.
As of April 2025, Jannik’s career win-loss record on clay is 90-48, a win percentage of about 65.22%- his lowest compared to other surfaces. But Roddick remains optimistic: “I thought he actually looked great on the clay last year. We kind of forget that he was a set away from beating Carlos Alcaraz in the semis of Roland Garros last year, so I think he’ll be fine long term.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 23: Jannik Sinner of Italy speaks to the media during a press conference ahead of the 2024 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 23, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
While he didn’t secure a title at Roland Garros last year, Sinner’s semifinal against Carlos Alcaraz was a thriller. The Italian, on a 12-match Grand Slam streak after winning the AO 2024, took the first set 6-2. Alcaraz responded, winning the second 6-3, but Sinner grabbed the third 6-3. Alcaraz fought back, taking the fourth 6-4 before sealing the match 6-3 in the fifth, ending Sinner’s run in four hours and nine minutes.
Last year, Sinner missed Rome due to a hip injury, which might cause “jitters” this time, reckons Andy Roddick. The ex-American pro added, “Since he’s become the legend, Grand Slam-winning No. 1 Jannik Sinner, he hasn’t played in Rome.” Now a three-time Slam champ and 52-week World No. 1, the first Italian to do so, Sinner’s comeback is hugely anticipated, and “there are obviously going to be jitters,” according to Roddick.
Sinner entered the 2024 clay season as World No. 2, coming off his Australian Open and Miami Open wins. At the Monte Carlo Masters, his first clay-court event, he reached a career-best semifinal, falling to Stefanos Tsitsipas in three sets despite holding match point. Previously, his top clay-court result was a Rome quarterfinal in 2023. So, clay is clearly not Sinner’s preferred surface as yet. But he will be looking to change the perception.
Despite three months off court, Sinner’s team kept him sharp without tennis, with trainer Marco Panichi calling the break “a blessing in disguise” as Sinner “rediscovered himself.” By April 17, the Italian was back practicing with Matteo Berrettini and Jack Draper, who praised his level.
Jack Draper affirms that Jannik Sinner’s skills haven’t gotten rusty
At the Madrid Open on April 22, 2025, Draper praised Sinner, telling BBC and The Guardian, “When people ask about Jannik I tell the truth – I think he is a really genuine, nice person and on top of that he is an unbelievable player. In this situation, I am sure he would have had absolutely zero idea of anything. That’s the way life goes – sometimes there are mistakes.”
Draper was earlier seen training alongside Sinner at the Monte Carlo Country Club. After an early Madrid exit, the Brit stayed back to practice and found the perfect partner in Sinner, who was also in town. “I knew Jannik was available and in Monte Carlo on the clay, so we organised with his team to go out there for three or four days and train with him,” Draper said. “If you’re going to train with anyone, it has got to be the best in the world, right?”
Last August, Jannik Sinner was cleared of intentional wrongdoing after the ITIA found “no fault or negligence,” as the banned substance Clostebol entered his system by his physio’s mistake, who used an over-the-counter spray to treat a cut on his own finger and then gave Sinner a massage without gloves.
However, when WADA appealed against the ITIA’s decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), Sinner had to accept a three-month ban, effective February 9 to May 4, rather than risk a longer suspension by appealing to CAS, which could have jeopardized his 2025 season. Standing by him, Draper said, “I think it is important for people to know and recognise the guy is kind-hearted and a good human being. He doesn’t deserve any of the hate he gets.”
The world No. 6 also praised Sinner’s form: “Despite getting a time off, Sinner’s playing at an incredible level still. It was great to be around him for a few days and get some good sparring.” With the Italian Open next month and the French Open after, all eyes are on Sinner. Will he ride his AO momentum to a second straight slam at Roland Garros? Share your thoughts in the comments!
The post With Doping Ban in Rearview, Former No. 1 Reflects on Jannik Sinner’s Jittery Comeback in Rome appeared first on EssentiallySports.
