Jannik Sinner is set to play at the French Open which is just his second tournament since returning from suspension.
The 23-year-old came back to a hero’s welcome in front of his home fans at the Italian Open, and went on to reach the final.
Despite suffering a loss to Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner can take plenty of positives from his campaign in Rome into the next Grand Slam in Paris.
It remains to be seen how the World number one will be received by the crowd when he competes for the title in Paris, and the French Open audience are not one to hold back on how they feel about a player.
How does Alexander Zverev think the French Open crowd will treat Jannik Sinner?
After Jannik Sinner defended his Australian Open title in January, he was banned for three months following two positive tests for banned substance clostebol in 2024.
Following his highly-anticipated return the Italian hit the ground running by winning three successive matches in straight sets in Rome, before Sinner came from behind to beat Tommy Paul in the semi-finals.
Sinner received a rapturous ovation from crowds in Rome, but that could change when he steps back onto the clay courts in front of the notoriously lively French Open crowd.
One of his rivals Alexander Zverev commented on the reception Sinner could get from French Open crowd fans, and he also said how he would feel if he was in the same position.
“I think Sinner is loved, and I think he will always be loved by tennis fans,” he said. “If I’m in his shoes I’m not worried about the crowd too much.”
Jannik Sinner says how he thinks the French Open crowd will react to him
Sinner had a strong 2024 French Open campaign in which he reached the semi-finals and became World number one.
He will aim to improve his result this year and he has a real chance of doing so given his record at Grand Slams and recent record on the biggest stage.
The French Open will be just his second tournament after his suspension and Sinner believes all will be well with the crowds when he performs in Paris.
“It’s definitely going to be different,” he said. “I know that, but I don’t think they have anything against me. It’s right that they support the players who are from here, who are local here.
“It’s the same when I play against American players at the US Open, it’s normal. I got an amazing atmosphere in Rome because I’m Italian, it’s right that the player who plays in this city or country gets more support.
“I know that, last year I played against some French players here, so I know a little bit of what to expect.”
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