Jannik Sinner set for explosive return after doping ban: ‘Time away helped me’ | Tennis News
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner is ready to step back onto the court after a three-month suspension, revealing that the enforced break from tennis “helped me a lot”.
Sinner last played on January 26, when he brushed aside Alexander Zverev in straight sets to successfully defend his Australian Open crown. But just weeks after that high, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced that the Italian had agreed to a three-month ban following two positive tests for the banned substance Clostebol in March 2024.
His suspension officially began on February 9, ruling him out of the early part of the season. Now, Sinner is set for a comeback at the Italian Open on May 4, with the Hamburg Open also on his schedule as he gears up for the French Open, which begins on May 25.
The 23-year-old admitted that finding his rhythm again won’t be easy after the layoff.
“We’re training very, very hard,” Sinner told ORF Südtirol. “Hopefully we’ll get some momentum going again ahead of the clay season. It certainly won’t be easy for me.”
As per WADA regulations, Sinner was barred from practicing with fellow professionals or training under the guidance of his coaches, Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill, until April 13. Despite the restrictions, his team crafted a detailed plan to keep him active both physically and mentally during the suspension.
Reflecting on his time away, Sinner found unexpected positives.
“I think at the beginning of the three months, it was quite nice. A bit of time away from all the grind, I spent time with family, with friends. I was doing new things and getting to know myself better, finding out where I stand. I think it helped me a lot.”
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Now, as the clay-court season approaches, Sinner is determined to make his mark once again, refreshed, refocused, and ready for the next chapter.
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