Here comes Sinner!

Andrés Tomás Rico | 6 May 2025 | 09.30

Here comes Sinner! Photo: Getty Images

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Possibly, Jannik Sinner has been the most heard name in the tennis world over the past year. Both for better and for worse. Whether it be for winning two out of the last four Grand Slams (US Open 2024, Australian Open 2025), or for his double positive for clostebol at Indian Wells 2024. Both his sporting successes and his controversial doping case have been blending in, dominating headlines and sports discussions. From his dominance on the court, with 80 wins and only 6 losses since early 2024, to the concealment of his positive test until August, which actually occurred in March 2024, the number one has been exposed to public opinion, gaining both supporters and detractors. And after three months of absence due to his agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency, Jannik Sinner is back.

Despite not being present since clinching his second title in Melbourne, his shadow loomed over the circuit when none of his main followers were able to close the ranking gap in the ATP. Neither Carlos Alcaraz nor Alexander Zverev managed to take advantage of the Italian's absence. The Spaniard started well by gaining 500 points with a victory in Rotterdam, but his hard court tours in the Middle East, (quarterfinals in Doha) and in the US (semifinals in Indian Wells and the second round in Miami) meant that even Sinner remained the number one in the 'race'.

Missed opportunity by Alcaraz and Zverev

"Many asked me, they were asking me to make the most of this period of Jannik's absence to return to the top. Probably, that pressure killed me in a way," stated the one from El Palmar at the beginning of the clay court season. Indeed, with the arrival of the clay season, the Murcian found form and won for the first time in Monte Carlo, although he faltered in the Barcelona Open final, where he suffered discomfort that made him miss the Mutua Madrid Open, this tournament being the last where he could reduce the points gap.

Alexander Zverev has also experienced a similar missed opportunity. The German even altered his usual schedule and decided to participate in the South American clay season with the aim of earning points to get closer to the number one spot. However, his February results and poor performances (quarterfinals in Buenos Aires and Rio; second round in Acapulco) shattered his morale for the US swing, where he exited early in Indian Wells and in the round of 32 in Miami. Things changed with the clay season as he claimed the title in Munich, although it was insufficient as he exited in the second round in Monte Carlo and in the round of 32 in Madrid.

With Alcaraz and Zverev failing to make the definitive breakthrough and with Novak Djokovic seeking motivation to vie for his 100th title, Jack Draper in Indian Wells and Jakub Mensik in Miami took advantage of the power vacuum, emerging as new threats to Sinner's reign.

So, this is the current state of the ATP circuit after the return of the number one. Expectations are high to see the level of his tennis, especially with his return in Rome where the pressure will be intense. But the Italian has made it clear: "My expectations for this tournament are very low for me." Now the question is how long it will take him to find his form, his cruising speed, and his aggressive ball striking that made him very tough to beat. The three-month hiatus and the clay court season make his chances in Rome very challenging, but it could serve as a tune-up for the Roland Garros.

Once the Italian tournament passes, along with the anticipation of his return and his initial matches after the break, it will be time to assess where Sinner stands and whether he can contend for the title in France. But his return to tennis is deemed necessary in a male circuit lacking consistency and dominance. Only he and Alcaraz stand out as the potential torchbearers of a new tennis era.

Returning to his positive doping case

If there are still questions about his tennis performance, the same goes for his doping case. Despite his suspension ending on May 4 and this episode being closed, the distrust and doubts arise from both the tennis anti-doping system and the management of the number one's case, suggesting that this divide will take time to heal.

As Sinner stated, he was not pleased with certain attitudes of some of his colleagues during the Australian Open. Several players have expressed their discontent with the Italian case. Some were very severe like Nick Kyrgios, "justice does not exist in tennis," he said. Djokovic was also critical, "I have talked with several players in the locker room. Not only in recent days, but also in recent months. Most are not satisfied with how this process has been handled and do not see it as fair. Many believe there was favoritism."

Yet there were staunch supporters like the now retired Rafael Nadal: "First of all, I believe 100% that Jannik is innocent. I do not think for a second that Jannik would want to do anything prohibited, so I trust him 100%." Even emerging stars like Draper defended him: "He doesn't deserve the hate he gets." However, the main rival, Carlos Alcaraz, remained mostly silent and reserved in his comments: "He tested positive, but there must be a reason why they let him continue playing, which we are unaware of. So, I cannot say much more about it. Ultimately, he was proven innocent," he remarked just before the start of the US Open.

In summary, this case has circulated the globe and highlighted the lack of transparency in the tennis world, unfortunately overshadowing Sinner. Despite him claiming innocence from the start, stating it was contamination from a cream, he has not been able to silence the criticisms due to a system that lacks transparency and is shrouded in secrecy which currently governs tennis.

Regardless, the nightmare for Sinner has come to an end. The number one is back and aims to conclude this case in the best way he knows: by playing tennis. Only time will tell when the Italian's dominance will return and when his positive doping result will fade away for good.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, ¡Que viene Sinner!