ROME, Italy—The atmosphere for Jannik Sinner’s return from a three-month suspension is likely to be the highlight of the week at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. The Italian sensation is set to face Mariano Navone in what promises to be a thrilling clash at the Foro Italico on May 10, 2025. Sinner, the current world number 1, has been out of action for months due to a suspension stemming from an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). As he gears up to make his comeback in front of his home crowd, all eyes are on the 23-year-old prodigy to see if he can maintain his reign as the top player in the world.
After winning the Australian Open in late January, Sinner faced a suspension of 104 days following two positive tests for clostebol in 2024. The announcement of Sinner's suspension in mid-February sent shockwaves through the tennis community. Despite the controversy, Sinner retained his world No. 1 ranking, a position he has held for nearly a year, and he aims to reclaim his form quickly.
In the lead-up to his return, Italian fans have made their support clear. His first training session at the Foro Italico on May 5 drew an impressive crowd of 5,000 fans, who showed him constant admiration and affection for 90 minutes. Sinner smiled frequently toward the stands while rallying with Czech player Jiří Lehečka. After the session, he spent more than 15 minutes signing autographs, showcasing his connection with the fans.
Standing in Sinner's way is Mariano Navone, currently ranked 99th in the ATP rankings. The 24-year-old Argentine earned the right to face Sinner by defeating local player Federico Cinà, ranked 323rd, with a double 6-3 win in the first round. Navone, known for his prowess on clay courts, poses a significant threat to Sinner’s comeback. After his victory, Navone expressed his eagerness to face off against the world number 1, stating, “I hope to ruin his return, but I already know it will be very tough. It will be special to play Jannik in front of his home fans knowing that it will be his first match in three months. He is an amazing player who has already won a lot for his age, which is why I will need to play my best tennis to have a chance.”
As Sinner prepares for his first competitive match since his suspension, he has downplayed expectations for the tournament. In a press conference held on May 5, he stated, “My goal is Roland Garros (May 25 – June 8). I’m here to see where I’m at, to try to get through the first round—not to beat everyone.” His focus is on regaining match rhythm after a lengthy break, during which he engaged in various activities such as skiing, karting, and biking with friends.
Despite the challenges, Sinner's coach, Simone Vagnozzi, believes that the mental aspect of returning to competition will be the most significant hurdle. “It’s more of a mental challenge than a physical or technical one,” Vagnozzi explained. “When you’re active on the circuit, you get into matches without overthinking. Now he’ll step onto the court thinking about everything he needs to do.”
As the tennis world eagerly awaits this epic clash, Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner's biggest rival, welcomed his return, saying, “I’m really happy to have him around again. Obviously for him was tough and I’m pretty sure it was super long. It is great for me, for tennis, for the fans, that he’s able to play a tournament again.” Alcaraz, who opens against Serbian qualifier Dusan Lajovic on the same day, expressed excitement about the possibility of facing Sinner in the final.
The anticipation surrounding Sinner's return is palpable, with fans and analysts alike eager to see how he performs on the clay courts of Rome, a surface that is not considered his forte. With an impressive track record, including a semifinal appearance at Roland Garros last year, Sinner is no stranger to defying the odds.
As the countdown to the match continues, the atmosphere at the Foro Italico is electric, reminiscent of the excitement that surrounded Sinner during the 2024 ATP Tour Finals in Turin. The chant “Olé, olé olé olé, Sinner, Sinner” reverberates around the stadium, a testament to the support that this young Italian has garnered.
In a sport where pressure can mount quickly, Sinner remains grounded, often reminding himself, “I’m just a 23-year-old guy, pretty simple, who plays good tennis. I’m not going to change the world.” Yet, the weight of expectation from fans and the tennis community is undeniable, as he looks to reclaim his place at the top.
As the tennis world eagerly awaits this epic clash, all bets are off as Sinner and Navone gear up to battle it out on the clay courts of Rome. Stay tuned for what promises to be a showdown of epic proportions as these two titans of the sport go head-to-head in a match that is not to be missed.
