In a comeback that has generated unprecedented anticipation, the world’s number one tennis player, Jannik Sinner, was greeted with an ovation from nearly 5,000 fans at his first practice session at the Italian Open.
This event marked the end of his three-month suspension, and the atmosphere in the stadium was electrifying.
The training session, broadcast live on local television, took place after Sinner was honored in a ceremony to celebrate the successes of the Italian teams in the Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup last year.
Both trophies were present, and the crowd sang the Italian national anthem.
It’s the first time Italy has a number one in its national tournament. Despite this, Sinner expressed his surprise at the enormous attention he receives.
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
At a time when a conclave to elect a new pope in the Vatican is approaching, Sinner’s return has made local headlines proclaiming “Habemus Sinner”, a variation of the Latin words “Habemus Papam” which are announced from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica when a pope is elected.
The scene at the Foro Italico contrasted notably with Sinner’s feelings in February, when he was sanctioned with a three-month suspension following 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.
Jannik Sinner
In addition to his family in the German-speaking region of South Tyrol, in northern Italy, Sinner spent more time with friends in Monaco, participated in other sports such as cycling, and only gradually returned to tennis.
The agreement was reached after the AMA appealed a decision last year by the International Tennis Integrity Agency, which completely exonerated Sinner for what was considered accidental contamination with a banned anabolic steroid in March 2024.
The agreement raised questions, as it allowed Sinner not to miss any Grand Slam and return to 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 was also a bit difficult for me to accept it, 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 over. So I’m happy to play tennis again.
Jannik Sinner
Many professional colleagues believe that Sinner was treated too lightly.
Sinner will play on Saturday. He hasn’t played a match since January, when he won his second consecutive Australian Open title.
After being exempt from the first round in Rome, he will play his first match on Saturday against Mariano Navone or the 18-year-old Italian wildcard Federico Cinà.
The last Italian man to win the Rome title was Adriano Panatta in 1976.
It’s a tournament with very, very low expectations in general for me. It’s a very strange feeling again at the beginning to be surrounded by so many people and attention. But it’s nice to be back.
Jannik Sinner
