Ruud welcomes Sinner to the circuit: "I look forward to seeing him and chatting for a while"

Carlos Navarro - 7 May 2025 | 16:00
Casper Ruud Jannik Sinner ATP ATP Roma 2025

The Norwegian, one of the strongest supporters of Jannik during his suspension, had words of support and affection towards Sinner and confessed that he hopes to see a high level in his comeback.

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Ruud and Sinner, squires during the difficult periods of the Italian. Source: Getty

The case Jannik Sinner raised huge controversies in the ATP locker room for many months. As if it were a civil war, a good part of the circuit was divided between those who openly supported the Italian, considering the sanction unfair and declaring him as clearly innocent, and those who considered unfair the "favorable treatment" he supposedly received due to his status and importance within the locker room, thus receiving a much lesser sanction than other names.

One of the names that unconditionally supported the Italian was Casper Ruud, who always spoke out to defend Jannik's innocence, justifying the agreement he reached with WADA in the end and speaking highly of his personal relationship with the Italian. Now crowned Masters 1000 champion, there was eagerness to hear from the Norwegian at what will be, in the ATP Rome 2025, Jannik's first tournament after serving his 'punishment.' Did anyone think he had changed his mind? Far from it, as Casper reveals that he still hasn't seen San Candido's in person in recent months.

"I hope he is welcomed by many fans and a lot of support in his favor. I am looking forward to seeing him back on the court next Saturday. I haven't seen him personally yet, but I am looking forward to us being together again and being able to chat for a while. It's great to see him back on the circuit.", stated the Norwegian firmly, who could even face Jannik in hypothetical quarterfinals of the Roman tournament.

EXPECTATIONS ON THE RETURN, VERY HIGH

It seems right to affirm that Ruud has become one of Sinner's biggest supporters throughout the whole process, a matter publicly acknowledged by Jannik. Furthermore, the Italian stated in the first press conference after his return that he felt "surprised" by the treatment of some of his peers, both negatively and positively: surely Casper falls into the second category, and he didn't miss the chance to reaffirm it and also make it clear that he expects a magnificent version of his partner right from the beginning of his return.

"I have talked a lot and I have been very open about what I think about the sanction. I have always tried to give him all the support I could, I have realized that these have been tough moments for him, but I am very happy to see him back. He hasn't had to deal with any injury throughout this process, so I hope he can be sharp. There is a very high chance that he will return playing at a very high level from the start, I hope he can sign a good tournament in Rome to start this comeback."

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Ruud da la bienvenida a Sinner al circuito: "Tengo ganas de verle y que charlemos un rato"