Sinner Aims to Build Momentum After Doping Ban in Rome

Jannik Sinner is set to compete in the Italian Open after serving a doping ban, aiming to build momentum for the French Open.

World number one Jannik Sinner is making his comeback to tennis after serving a three-month doping ban. He's set to compete in the Italian Open and has expressed his excitement to be back on the court. “I'm happy to play tennis again,” Sinner said.

However, Sinner is keeping his expectations low as he returns to the game. His ban was a result of a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency, which determined that the banned substance clostebol had entered his system unintentionally through massages from his physiotherapist. Sinner is focusing on getting back into his rhythm and building his form.

After a doping saga, three-time Grand Slam champion Jannik Sinner is set to compete in the Italian Open. Having not played since winning the Australian Open in January, Sinner hopes to build momentum for the French Open. “It's a very, very low expectation tournament in general for me, it's talking also results-wise,” he said.

Sinner is cautious about his performance, acknowledging that he needs more match time to gauge his level. “What's missing is the complete feedback on where my level is,” he explained. “That's going to come then slowly with the time of playing, after the first round match, I'm going to have a good picture of myself - where I am at.”

Despite missing three months of action, Jannik Sinner is assured of retaining his top ranking for the Italian Open. This comes after his closest challenger, Alexander Zverev, suffered an early defeat in the Monte-Carlo Masters.

Jannik Sinner hits a beautiful backhand passing shot during his first practice in Rome.

A sight for sore eyes… missed this.

🇮🇹🦊

(via @signofhsab)

pic.twitter.com/9HcTH9XaP2

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 5, 2025

Sinner expressed relief that the Grand Slam tournaments were not included in his doping ban. “For me personally, good news that the Grand Slams were not included,” he said. “This kind of agreement, I didn't want to do it in the beginning.”

“It was not easy for me to accept it because I know what really happened, but sometimes we have to choose the best in a very bad moment,” Sinner said.

“It's all over now, so I'm happy to play tennis again.”

Sinner said last year was very difficult for him.

“I was in a tough situation, and at the beginning of the Australian Open, I struggled a lot. So, it was nice also to take a small break,” he added.

“But I could feel that I'm not playing for quite a long time. The body still has to adjust the times... the blisters in hands, they come again because you're not used to it anymore.”