Jannik Sinner will make his highly anticipated return to tennis at this year’s Italian Open.
The world number one took home his third Grand Slam title in January when Sinner beat Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open final.
Sinner was then handed a three-month suspension from tennis, which saw him miss the Sunshine Double Masters 1000 events as well as the Monte-Carlo Masters and Madrid Open.
His home fans have welcomed him back with open arms in Rome, as Sinner prepares to return at the 2025 Italian Open.
Ahead of Sinner’s opening match, one ATP Tour legend has shared his thoughts on the Italian and said what will be ‘difficult’ about his return.
Rafael Nadal says it will be ‘difficult’ for Jannik Sinner to rediscover his form when he returns in Rome
During an interview with La Gazetta dello Sport, former world number one Rafael Nadal gave his verdict on Sinner’s return.
“It will be difficult because it is always like this when you return after a period away from competitions,” said Nadal.
“But the positive thing is that Jannik [Sinner] is not returning after an injury; he was able to continue training and preparing, and I think he will take to the field with great desire.”
Nadal was also asked for his thoughts on Sinner’s controversial three-month suspension.
“Not having access to all the relevant information, I prefer to respect the processes and justice. The person who judged the case has all the information that we do not have, and based on this, he made the decision he considered the most correct, and that must be respected 100%,” said Nadal.
“I have 100% confidence in Jannik, I am 100% convinced that Jannik did not want to deceive, I know him personally, and I have total confidence in his innocence.
“However, sometimes there are accidents and things happen, unfortunately, we are exposed to this type of situation, and the verdict must be accepted. But I repeat, I believe in Jannik’s innocence.”
Nadal won’t, however, be in attendance for Sinner’s return, as he will avoid the trip to Rome for just the second time in 20 years.
“In fact I won’t be in Rome this year,” he said.
“But sooner or later, I will come to say hello to the audience at the Foro Italico as they deserve, because Rome has been one of the most important places in my career and in my life.”
Could Jannik Sinner become the first player to win a title in his first tournament back from suspension?
Sinner will look to make history in Rome by becoming the first player in the history of tennis to return from suspension to win a title in his first tournament back.
| Player/Year | Suspension length | Violation | Returning tournament performance |
| Simona Halep – 2022 | Nine months | Positive Roxadustat test | 2024 Miami Open – Lost in 1R |
| Maria Sharapova – 2016 | 15 months | Positive Meldonium test | 2018 US Open – Lost in 4R |
| Barbora Zahlavova-Strycova – 2013 | Six months | Positive Sibutramine test | 2013 Stuttgart Open – Lost in (Q) 1R |
| Viktor Troicki – 2013 | 1 year | Refusal to take blood test | 2014 Swiss Open – Lost in QF |
| Marin Cilic – 2013 | Four months | Positive Nikethamide test | 2013 Paris Masters – Lost in 2R |
| Richard Gasquet – 2009 | Six weeks | Positive Cocaine test | 2009 New Haven – Lost in (Q) 2R |
Only Victor Troicki in 2013 returned to reach a tour-level quarterfinal, with his run to the last eight of the Swiss Open.
Of the six players listed, only one lifted a Major title after their suspension, as Marin Cilic won the US Open just one year removed from his ban.
Sinner would no doubt love to repeat Cilic’s feat in Paris next month, but will first focus on the task at hand in Rome.
World number one Sinner has been handed a tough draw at the Italian Open, which could see him come up against several clay-court specialists on his way to the final.
Jannik Sinner’s potential route to the Italian Open title (By ranking)
- 2R – Mariano Navone
- 3R – Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
- 4R – Francisco Cerundolo
- QF – Casper Ruud
- SF – Taylor Fritz
- F – Alexander Zverev
Sinner will begin his 2025 Italian Open campaign with a tough opening match against Argentina’s Mariano Navone on Saturday, May 10.
Rafael Nadal shuts down any talk of a retirement U-turn
During the interview, the Spaniard also revealed what he is doing in 2025, following Nadal’s retirement from tennis last November.
“I work and learn, [I’m] motivated by new projects. The Foundation and the Academy are a central part of my life,” said Nadal.
“Kids from 40 countries come to the Academy, and then there are the tennis tourism visits, lots of Italians come to visit us.
“We are happy and proud to have made the Mallorca Academy a tennis destination.”
Nadal was then asked whether he has a future in tennis, to which he provided a fairly blunt response.
“No, I’m retired,” he said.
When asked whether he plans to be involved in any other ‘roles’ within the sport, Nadal provided a similar answer.
“No, there are no surprises planned,” he said.
Fans will have the opportunity to see the Spaniard on Sunday, May 25, when the French Open celebrates their 14-time champion’s career on Court Philippe Chatrier.
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