Jannik Sinner, the 23-year-old Italian tennis star, is looking to return to form. He’s last seen on the court in February, having served a lengthy anti-doping ban, but now he’s preparing to return to the rigors of competition. Sinner, who raised eyebrows earlier this season when he won the Australian Open, has agreed to the suspension. This decision followed his receipt of two positive tests, despite a tribunal finding in his favor at first. His suspension will run out on May 4, just in time for the start of the Rome Masters on May 7.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the tribunal’s decision, resulting in Sinner’s acceptance of the four-year ban. As Sinner prepares to rejoin the tennis circuit, confidence abounds from the Italian national team captain, Filippo Volandri. He’s confident that his player will soon return to form.
Volandri stated, “He told me Jannik is extremely motivated, fully focused on upcoming tournaments and mentally calm.” Sinner is doing everything with optimism in mind as he looks set to peak performance-wise. He is committed to getting this done before the French Open, which begins on May 25.
Over the last few years, Sinner has struggled to keep a full winter pre-season intact. The break from competition may provide him with the necessary time to recharge for the next two to three seasons. Sinner stepped up intensity ahead of his comeback with a concentrated effort in Monte Carlo. He hit with Indian Wells winner Jack Draper at the Tennis Club de Beaulieu in France, too.
As he approaches the upcoming tournaments, there are mixed expectations regarding his immediate performance. Tennis analyst Shrivathsa Sridhar noted, “Let’s not forget nothing replaces match adrenaline and that’s why I don’t expect a winning streak right away. The more matches he plays, the closer he’ll get to his ideal form for Paris.”
Sinner’s mentor Simone Vagnozzi is similarly concentrating on precise physical in look of Roland Garros. Volandri emphasized the importance of this aspect, stating, “His physical preparation is focused on Roland Garros. It’s a gruelling event with long, best-of-five-set matches.”
Sinner will try to reclaim his new status as one of the elite in men’s tennis. All eyes will be on how well he dishes up at the Rome Masters, and just how ready he is for the myriad challenges of the French Open later this month.
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