Jannik Sinner names who he thinks has been the most consistent player on the ATP Tour this season and says they’re great friends

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Jannik Sinner has wasted no time in making a successful return to tennis, having just reached the Italian Open round of 16.

Jim Courier praised Sinner’s level after his first match back from a three-month ban, in which he beat Mariano Navone.

Handed a bye in round one of the ATP Masters 1000 event, Sinner won his Italian Open second round match 6-3, 6-4.

Sinner thanked his fans upon his return, with the world number one then knocking out Jesper De Jong shortly after.

The three-time Grand Slam champion won their third round match 6-4, 6-2, with 17th seed Francisco Cerundolo now up next.

Jannik Sinner names Jack Draper as the most consistent ATP player this season

Also reaching the Italian Open last 16 is Jack Draper, who has knocked out Luciano Darderi and Vit Kopriva so far.

Draper was Sinner’s first training partner upon his return to tennis after his suspension, with the Italian now sharing how important the Briton’s support has been in recent times.

READ MORE: Jack Draper explains what he was not happy with in the third round of the Italian Open despite his win over Vit Kopriva

Speaking after his latest win, Sinner said of Draper: “Well, me and Jack, we know each other for quite long.

“We got to know each other better now when he came to the level where we are. I think we all players know how strong he was, what potential he had, and now he’s showing it, no?

“He’s one of the best player, maybe the most consistent player we have throughout this season. He keeps showing up every day.

“We find ourself in a great friendship because we are very similar as people. We are humble. We try to do our best on court. Off court we are just very simple people.

“His support meant so much to me and some other players. Whoever supported me in this period, I really, really appreciate that.

“Yeah, for me it was very good. It was positive energy. It was good with him to practice in Monaco couple of weeks ago.

“I’ve always been his biggest fan. When I cannot play or when he’s still in tournament, I wish him only the best.”

Jannik Sinner says why things are now slightly different with Jack Draper

The world number one has stolen the majority of the headlines on the ATP Tour in recent times, both on and off the court.

Alongside his lengthy doping case, he has won the last two Grand Slams, triumphing at the 2025 Australian Open and the 2024 US Open.

READ MORE: Emma Raducanu explains what is very different about herself and Jack Draper after his recent success in Madrid

Carlos Alcaraz meanwhile won Wimbledon and the French Open last year, after the Italian won the Australian Open.

But Draper has also enjoyed a huge rise of late, with the British number one soaring to fifth place in the world rankings.

It means a slightly different dynamic is now taking place, but Sinner is confident that it will have little impact on their strong relationship.

Continuing his verdict of the Briton, the Italian said: “Of course things are a little bit more competitive now because he’s in the position where he is, top-five player.

“But it doesn’t really matter because off court we have a great friendship and we will keep that for sure. I’m very sure that we will keep that throughout our whole careers.

“He’s a very, very good human being, very genuine. All things he said is coming back to him because he’s a good man.”