Patrick Mouratoglou says what he wants to see ATP players do during Jannik Sinner’s three-month ban from tennis

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Jannik Sinner’s tennis ban shook the sport earlier this year, as players look to make the most of the Italian’s absence.

World number one Sinner won the Australian Open in January, beating Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the final, 6-3, 7-6, 6-3.

He was then hit with some tough news as Sinner received a three-month ban from tennis, for doping violations he committed in 2024.

The ban will see Sinner miss several Masters 1000 tournaments; Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, and Madrid.

He will return for his home Italian Open in May, before taking part in the year’s second Grand Slam event at the French Open.

Sinner won the Cincinnati Open and Shanghai Masters last year, in his two most recent appearances at the Masters 1000 level.

One top WTA coach has now said what he thinks players should be trying to do over the coming months at the sport’s biggest tournaments while Sinner sits on the sidelines.

Patrick Mouratoglou thinks Jannik Sinner’s three-month ban offers a ‘huge opportunity’ for top ATP stars

Speaking on Instagram, Naomi Osaka’s coach Patrick Mouratoglou shared his thoughts on the ‘opportunities’ Sinner’s tennis ban will bring for top ATP stars.

“The fact that [Jannik] Sinner is not playing for a few months gives a lot of opportunities to players not only to win big tournaments but also to gain confidence by winning a lot of matches,” said Mouratoglou.

“Is it also a pressure at the same time? Yes of course.”

Mouratoglou then reflected upon a tournament where his countrywoman took advantage of a weakened field to clinch the title.

“I always take the example of Marion Bartoli, who won Wimbledon when Serena [Williams], [Maria] Sharapova, and a lot of other top players lost early,” he said.

“Many could have [won], one did.”

Bartoli was there to pounce at SW19 12 years ago as several top seeds faltered during the early rounds.

• [1] Serena Williams – Lost in 4R
• [2] Victoria Azarenka – Lost in 2R (withdrew)
• [3] Maria Sharapova – Lost in 2R
• [4] Agnieszka Radwanska – Lost in SF
• [5] Sara Errani – Lost in 1R
• [6] Li Na – Lost in QF
• [7] Angelique Kerber – Lost in 2R
• [8] Petra Kvitova – Lost in QF
• [9] Caroline Wozniacki – Lost in 2R
• [10] Maria Kirilenko – Lost in 1R

Mouratoglou went on to explain the key mental battle players on the ATP Tour will be challenged with during Sinner’s ban.

“When the top players are getting beaten in the first rounds or quite early in a big tournament, it’s a huge opportunity for other players who usually don’t have this opportunity to win those big titles,” he said.

“A lot of them are unable to take the opportunity because of the pressure it brings, but some others can.

“In the next three months we will see who is able to take advantage, who is mentally strong enough to think, I have an opportunity, I can not mess it up.

“But how can I use this opportunity and fight the pressure that comes with it in order to win.”

How have top ATP stars performed since Jannik Sinner began his three-month tennis ban?

Sinner’s ban handed the players ranked directly below him a golden opportunity to close the gap with some big results.

However, the gap has closed by just 500 points, as world number two Zverev struggles for form on the ATP Tour.

The German star has won just four matches since the Australian Open, despite entering four events as the number one seed.

• 2025 Indian Wells 2R – Lost to Tallon Griekspoor
• 2025 Mexican Open 2R – Lost to Learner Tien
• 2025 Mexican Open 1R – Beat Matteo Arnaldi
• 2025 Rio Open QF – Lost to Francisco Comesana
• 2025 Rio Open 2R – Beat Alexander Shevchenko
• 2025 Rio Open 1R – Beat Yunchaokete Bu
• 2025 Argentina Open QF – Lost to Francisco Cerundolo
• 2025 Argentina Open 2R – Beat Dusan Lajovic

Zverev lost to Tallon Griekspoor in his most recent outing at Indian Wells, as he suffered his second straight defeat.

He will drop 190 points with the loss, as his hopes of catching Sinner for the world number ranking look to be fading fast.

The 27-year-old will no doubt look to get back to winning ways when he returns to action for the Miami Open, on March 17.