Jannik Sinner is set to make a triumphant return to the tennis court at the Italian Open on Saturday, May 10, 2025, after a three-month suspension that kept the ATP World No. 1 sidelined. The young Italian star, who last played at the Australian Open in January where he claimed his third Grand Slam title, is eager to get back into action and prove his mettle against the competition.
After reaching a resolution agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Sinner is officially cleared to compete again. The agency had previously sought a ban of one to two years at the Court of Arbitration for Sport following two positive tests for a banned substance. However, the resolution means that Sinner can now focus on his upcoming matches at his home tournament in Rome.
Sinner will kick off his campaign against Mariano Navone, with the match scheduled for 7 PM local time (6 PM UK time) on the prestigious Centre Court. As the top seed, Sinner received a bye to the second round and is looking to build momentum as he heads into the French Open later this month.
Currently on a remarkable 21-match winning streak, Sinner's last defeat was against fellow tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the China Open last season. Should he progress past Navone, he could potentially face Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the third round and Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo in round four, who notably defeated Sinner at the Italian Open in 2023.
In the quarter-finals, Sinner is projected to meet Madrid Open champion and two-time French Open runner-up Casper Ruud. Notably, Sinner is in a different half of the draw from Alcaraz, who is seeded third and ranked just behind World No. 2 Alexander Zverev.
Despite his impressive track record, Sinner has tempered expectations for this tournament, stating, “I’m just very happy, very curious to see where I am at.” After being away from competitive play for three months, he acknowledged that his body still needs time to adjust and mentioned, “the blisters in hands” as a concern.
Adding to the excitement of his return, Sinner will debut a special player-exclusive colorway of his Nike tennis shoes, which are designed to commemorate his status as a tennis icon in Italy. The shoes feature unique details, including the phrases “Roma XXV” and “Home XXV,” with the Roman numerals symbolizing the year 2025. The tongues of the shoes also display Sinner's name alongside the Nike Swoosh logo, reflecting his growing brand within the sport.
These shoes are just a part of the exclusive gear Sinner has showcased. Last year, during the ATP Finals, he introduced his new signature fox logo on his hat, which has since become a staple in his apparel. While these items are not yet available for public purchase, they signify Sinner's rising star power as he becomes a key figure for Nike Tennis, especially following the retirements of legends like Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams.
As the tournament unfolds, fans are eager to see how Sinner performs after his hiatus. His return is not just a personal milestone but also a significant moment for Italian tennis, as he is celebrated as one of the country's brightest talents. The anticipation is palpable, with many expecting him to make a deep run in the tournament and potentially reclaim his spot at the top of the tennis world.
In conclusion, Jannik Sinner's return to the Italian Open is not just a comeback story; it's a testament to resilience and determination. With his eyes set on the French Open and beyond, Sinner is ready to show the world that he is still a force to be reckoned with on the ATP tour.
