Jannik Sinner, ranked number 1 in the world, is set to make his much-anticipated return to competitive tennis at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome after a three-month suspension due to the Clostebol case. The tournament, held at the iconic Foro Italico, runs from May 7 to May 18, 2025, and Sinner has a bye in the first round, meaning he will debut directly in the second round.
Following the draw conducted on May 5, Sinner's first match will be against the winner of the encounter between Argentine Mariano Navone and Italian Federico Cinà, which is expected to take place no earlier than Friday, May 9, or Saturday, May 10. This potential face-off with Cinà could set up an exciting all-Italian derby, adding to the stakes of Sinner's return.
In a press conference held shortly after the draw, Sinner expressed his emotions about returning to the court. "It’s a strange feeling to start again, but it’s nice. I’m not afraid to go on the court; I’m just happy to be here," he stated. Sinner acknowledged that while his ultimate goal is to perform well at the upcoming Roland Garros, he is primarily in Rome to gauge his current level of play. "I’m not here to beat everyone; I’m here to try to get through the first round and see what happens from there," he added.
After his long absence from the sport, stemming from a positive test for Clostebol during the Indian Wells tournament in March 2024, Sinner had agreed to a three-month suspension with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The controversy arose when traces of the banned substance were found in his system, which he attributed to contamination from a cream used by his then-physiotherapist. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted his explanation of accidental contamination, leading to his acquittal. Nevertheless, WADA appealed for a longer suspension, which was resolved with the recent agreement.
As Sinner prepares for his return, he has a challenging path ahead if he hopes to secure the title in Rome. His projected route through the tournament could see him face off against notable players such as Norwegian Casper Ruud in the quarter-finals and possibly American Taylor Fritz or Australian Alex de Minaur in the semi-finals. A potential final matchup against Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz is also on the horizon, although Sinner has successfully avoided facing both Alcaraz and defending champion Alexander Zverev in his half of the draw.
Following the Italian Open, Sinner's schedule includes a quick transition to the Hamburg tournament from May 17 to May 24, followed by the highly anticipated Roland Garros from May 25 to June 8. After the clay season, Sinner will shift to grass, culminating in Wimbledon from June 30 to July 13.
Sinner's return has been met with enthusiasm from fans and officials alike. Giovanni Malagò, President of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), described Sinner's comeback as a "liberation in all senses," expressing pride in his achievements and the excitement surrounding his return to the sport. Sinner himself remarked on the personal growth he experienced during his time away from competition, stating, "I feel freer. I’ve realized that even when I’m not playing tennis, I receive a lot of attention. It’s nice to have people around who live with my rhythms. Everything has gone quite well."
As the tournament approaches, Sinner is focused on returning to form and is eager to see how he competes after the long hiatus. He noted, "Every match will be difficult. I need to keep in mind that I have an opponent to face every day. Physically and mentally, I feel good." Sinner's determination to succeed in Rome and beyond is palpable, as he aims to build momentum leading into the French Open.
With the excitement building around his comeback, fans can look forward to watching Sinner's matches live on Sky Sport channels and on Rai, which will provide coverage of one match per day starting at 19:00. The atmosphere at the Foro Italico is expected to be electric as Sinner steps onto the court for the first time since his suspension, ready to reclaim his place among the sport's elite.
As the countdown to Sinner's return continues, the tennis world eagerly anticipates how this young star will perform in his first tournament back. With a favorable draw and a renewed sense of purpose, Jannik Sinner is ready to make a statement at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia.
