Jannik Sinner returns from suspension at Italian Open and offers unexpected praise to rival

Jannik Sinner returns to action at the Italian Open after serving a mandatory three-month suspension for a doping violation. The timing couldn’t be better for the world No. 1, as he makes his comeback in front of a home crowd in Rome. Ahead of his opening match, the Italian star made headlines with unexpected praise for a potential opponent.

Refocused and determined, Sinner is aiming for a strong showing on home soil as he builds momentum for the upcoming 2025 French Open. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, he opened up about his current mindset following the recent setback and shared his goals for the weeks ahead.

During the interview, Sinner singled out Jack Draper as one of the top talents in the game. “To me, Draper is one of the best tennis players in the world right now,” he said. Although Draper fell short in the final against Casper Ruud, who reached a major career milestone with that win, Sinner’s focus remained on the British player as a likely rival in Rome.

As Sinner awaits confirmation of his opponent in the Round of 64, fan anticipation continues to grow. After three months away from competition, all eyes are on whether the top-ranked player can maintain his elite form or if he’ll need time to readjust to the current pace of the ATP Tour.

Jack Draper, tennis player.

Sinner opens up about Alcaraz and Zverev ahead of Italian Open

Italian tennis star took a moment to speak about Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev as he prepares for his return to competition at the Italian Open and the upcoming French Open. Sinner revealed that he hadn’t been in contact with either Alcaraz or Zverev during his suspension from tournament play.

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World No. 1 Jannik Sinner makes surprising confession ahead of Rome Open comeback

“Tennis is such an individual sport, there’s no team, no one really around you. Everyone has their own schedule, their own path. In the end, I didn’t really feel like I was with anyone,” Sinner told reporters in Rome.

He continued: “I felt a bit of support from Jack [Draper], who came to train with me—we’re really good friends. At the beginning of the suspension, I got a few unexpected messages from some players. From others, who I thought might reach out, I heard nothing. But that’s normal, right? Everyone wants to win. So, no video calls or anything like that.”

Sinner awaits first opponent at Italian Open

Sinner will soon face his first opponent in Rome, but he’ll have to wait until Wednesday to learn who it will be. He is set to play the winner of the opening-round match between Argentina’s Mariano Navone and Italy’s Federico Cina.