Sinner Returns to Tennis Amid Expectations and Controversies
Jannik Sinner, the world’s number one tennis player, is back on the courts for the Italian Open, generating a whirlwind of emotions and debates. His return comes after a three-month suspension for doping, whose agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has been questioned.
The controversy arises because the agreement allowed Sinner to avoid the loss of participation in Grand Slam tournaments, and his return coincides with the home tournament. This situation has generated different reactions among his colleagues.
At the beginning of the suspension, I received surprising messages from some players, while from others, from whom I expected news, I received nothing. But I’m not going to reveal names.
Jannik Sinner
The suspension was the result of an appeal by the AMA of a 2024 decision that exonerated Sinner for alleged accidental contamination with a prohibited anabolic steroid.
During the period of inactivity, Sinner was unable to attend sporting events, which was a significant challenge for him.
I wanted to support my friends in cycling or motorsports. I couldn’t go. That was the hardest thing for me.
Jannik Sinner
In March, professional cyclist Giulio Ciccone shared a photo on Instagram with Sinner and Ferrari drivers, Alberto Giovinazzi and Alessandro Pier Guidi.
At his training base in Monaco, Sinner practiced with Jack Draper, Lorenzo Sonego, and Holger Rune during the last month of his suspension.
Coach Simone Vagnozzi has expressed his desire to continue working with Sinner, especially given the upcoming retirement of Darren Cahill, Sinner’s other coach. Vagnozzi believes it is crucial to have different perspectives for the player’s development.
I could do it alone. But with players of this level it’s important to have another perspective. And sometimes it’s important to divide the weeks you spend with the player. Otherwise, it’s a 365-day-a-year job and that’s a bit excessive.
Simone Vagnozzi
Vagnozzi highlighted Cahill’s importance, mentioning his impressive track record as a coach of high-level players.
Sinner will play his first match on Saturday against Mariano Navone or Federico Cina.
Despite his streak of 21 consecutive victories, Sinner has not played an official match since January.
Furthermore, the red clay of the Foro Italico is not Sinner’s preferred surface. Only one of his 19 professional titles has been on clay, in Umag, Croatia, in 2022.
Vagnozzi acknowledges that clay is the surface where Sinner feels least confident, but he trusts in his ability to perform well, based on his good performance in the clay season of the previous year.
The last Italian to win the title in Rome was Adriano Panatta in 1976.
