World Number One Reflects on Controversial Suspension and Eyes Fresh Start in Rome
Jannik Sinner is back. After a three-month absence from the ATP Tour, the world number one returned to the media spotlight at the Foro Italico on the eve of the Italian Open. His suspension is over, his racquets are strung, and despite the storm he’s weathered, the 23-year-old is preparing to compete again—with his trademark calm and clarity.
But the elephant in the room couldn’t be ignored: Sinner’s enforced break came not due to injury or personal reasons, but a doping ban, agreed upon after two positive tests for clostebol in 2024.
It was a ban that didn’t just shake the tennis world—it split it. And now, Sinner is offering his side of the story.
“It Was Not Easy to Accept”
Speaking at his first press conference since the ban ended at midnight on Sunday, Sinner addressed a packed room with the kind of composure fans have come to associate with his on-court presence. While clearly relieved to be back in action, the Italian didn’t shy away from the complexity of the last few months.
“I didn’t want to do it [agree to a settlement] in the beginning,” he admitted. “It was not easy for me to accept because I know what really happened. But sometimes, we have to choose the best option in a very bad moment—and that’s what we did.”
Sinner tested positive for clostebol—a substance often found in topical skin creams—twice last year. An independent tribunal initially cleared him, but the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) wasn’t satisfied, launching an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in pursuit of a potential one- to two-year suspension.
Eventually, negotiations led to a three-month ban. For Sinner, the most important outcome was that the sanction allowed him to return in time for the heart of the clay season—and crucially, didn’t cost him a single Grand Slam appearance.
“For me personally, it’s good news that the Grand Slams were not included,” he said, hinting at the silver lining in an otherwise dark cloud.
Rome Return: A “Low Expectation” Tournament
Sinner arrives in Rome with a first-round bye and will begin his campaign against either Argentina’s Mariano Navone or fellow Italian Federico Cina. But expectations, at least according to the man himself, are being kept firmly in check.
“This tournament is a very low expectation one,” he said with a slight shrug. “I’m just happy to be back here, happy to play in front of the fans again.”
He may have missed marquee events like Indian Wells and Miami, but he hasn’t exactly been idle. Since April 13—the day he was allowed to resume “official training activity”—Sinner has quietly prepared for his return, including sparring sessions on Monte Carlo clay with Britain’s Jack Draper.
He also confessed to tuning in to some of the Madrid Open matches, though he had stayed away from watching earlier events.
“I didn’t watch any of the Miami or Indian Wells matches,” he said. “But I’ve seen a little bit of Madrid. I was trying to study my opponents, to stay connected to the game.”
No Stadiums, No Sports: Life Under the Ban
One of the more surprising revelations from Sinner’s press conference came when he spoke about the restrictions imposed by WADA during his suspension. The rules didn’t just prevent him from competing—they barred him from watching any live sporting events.
“I don’t know how many people know this,” he said, “but I couldn’t even go to a stadium to watch a football match. I wanted to support my friends in cycling or motorsport—I couldn’t go there.”
This isolation from the wider sporting world was, he admits, one of the hardest parts of the whole ordeal.
Criticism and Controversy from Fellow Players
While Sinner has maintained a respectful silence throughout the proceedings, others in the sport haven’t been as reserved. Some players have voiced strong opinions—questioning not only the length of the ban, but the principle of it altogether.
Stan Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam winner, took to social media to say he no longer “believes in a clean sport.” Meanwhile, Nick Kyrgios chimed in with his usual bluntness, declaring, “Fairness in tennis does not exist.”
Sinner didn’t directly respond to the criticism but acknowledged the uncomfortable atmosphere. His press conference, scheduled just after his arrival in Rome, left little time for player interaction. Whether those conversations will come later this week remains to be seen.
Still Number One—And Still Focused
Despite his absence, Sinner remains on top of the ATP rankings. Neither Alexander Zverev nor Carlos Alcaraz overtook him during the three-month window, something many in the tennis world found surprising.
When asked if he was shocked to retain his No.1 status, Sinner brushed it off.
“I am happy in the position I am,” he said, “but I would also be happy if I were number three or four. I have a goal in front of my eyes. That’s the most important thing.”
And what is that goal? He didn’t say it explicitly, but with the French Open looming from May 25, it’s clear that Sinner has Roland-Garros firmly in his sights.
A New Chapter Begins
For now, though, all eyes are on Rome. For Sinner, it’s not just about results—it’s about re-entering the rhythm of tour life, finding his footing on clay, and reconnecting with fans who have stuck by him.
“I’m just happy to play again,” he said. “Happy to be back.”
His journey back to the court may have been marred by controversy, but with his ban now behind him, Sinner is ready to turn the page—and perhaps, write a new chapter that leads to Paris glory.
