Jannik Sinner’s return to competition after his doping suspension has been met with unusual effusiveness. The tennis player, number one in the world, was acclaimed by nearly 5,000 fans in his first training session at the Italian Open on Monday, the day his three-month suspension expired.
The practice, broadcast live on local television, took place after Sinner was the most celebrated player at a ceremony to honor the Italian teams that won the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup last year.
Both trophies were present and the crowd at the Campo Centrale sang the Italian national anthem.
It’s the first time Italy has a number one in its local tournament. However, Sinner was bewildered by so much attention.
I don’t know. Honestly, I think I’m a normal 23-year-old guy. I’m good at playing tennis, but I’m not changing the world. I always remember that I come from a small town of 2,000 inhabitants. Being here in Rome and playing in front of so many people is something very important.
Jannik Sinner
In a parallel with the expectation surrounding the election of a new Pope, Sinner’s return generated local headlines proclaiming “Habemus Sinner”.
The scene at the Foro Italico contrasted with what Sinner felt in February, when he received the three-month sanction after an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency.
At first I was a little confused because I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. Then I went home and stayed with my family. I tried to better understand what was really important to me. I know how many sacrifices I made and my daily routine was always to practice, practice, practice. But at that moment I had none of that. I came to understand that what is important to me is the people who are by your side. That they give you the strength to move forward and keep smiling.
Jannik Sinner
In addition to his family in the German-speaking region of South Tyrol in northern Italy, Sinner also spent more time with friends in Monaco, practiced other sports such as cycling, and gradually returned to tennis.
We spent about a month without touching a racket and then we restarted very gently. When we started to push harder, I got blisters on my hands. That was something I hadn’t experienced in a long time.
Jannik Sinner
The agreement was reached after the AMA appealed a decision last year by the International Tennis Integrity Agency that completely exonerated Sinner for what was considered accidental contamination by a banned anabolic steroid in March 2024.
The agreement raised doubts, as it conveniently allowed Sinner not to miss any Grand Slam and return in his home tournament.
The Italian Open is the last major clay-court event before the French Open, which begins on May 25.
I didn’t want to do it at first, and it wasn’t easy for me to accept it either, because I know what really happened. But sometimes we have to choose the best in a very bad moment, and that’s what we did. So it’s all done. So I’m happy to play tennis again.
Jannik Sinner
Sinner will face on Saturday the winner of the match between Mariano Navone and the young Italian Federico Cinà.
The last Italian to win the Rome title was Adriano Panatta in 1976.
In general, it’s a tournament with very, very low expectations for me. It’s a very strange feeling to be surrounded by so many people and attention again. But it’s good to be back.
Jannik Sinner
