Jannik Sinner has recently made his comeback to tennis after a three-month hiatus.
The current world number one kicked off this year impressively, securing victory at the Australian Open by defeating Alexander Zverev in the finals.
However, Sinner faced a three-month suspension from tennis,missing four Masters 1000 tournaments in the process. Fortunately, he has been cleared to compete again, starting with his home event in Rome, where he has begun strongly.
In the Italian Open, Sinner triumphed over Mariano Navone in the second round and then progressed past Jesper De Jong in the third round.
Insights from John Isner on Sinner’s Suspension
On the Nothing Major podcast, former semi-finalist John Isner shared his take on Sinner’s suspension, discussing its potential long-term benefits.
Isner remarked, “It’s a great start for him. In my opinion, being out for three months while not injured could be a hidden advantage. Though he would have preferred to participate in those tournaments, having this break could help him improve physically for years ahead, like an extended off-season.” His co-host, Steve Johnson, also noted that Sinner has returned looking visibly stronger.
Sinner’s Performance and Ranking
Sinner is undeniably a top contender right now, holding a significant 1,645-point lead over Zverev. If he clinches a title in Rome, he could surpass the 10,000 points mark again, increasing to 10,730.
However, he remains focused on his upcoming fourth-round match against Francisco Cerundolo, aware of their past encounters, which are currently tied at two wins apiece.
Head-to-Head Record: Sinner vs. Cerundolo
In their four previous ATP Tour meetings, Sinner and Cerundolo have each claimed two victories. Cerundolo notably defeated Sinner in their most recent matchup at the 2023 Italian Open, a match that saw him clinch a hard-fought three-set win.
As they gear up for a quarterfinal clash at the Italian Open on May 13, Sinner will be looking to turn the tables on his Argentine opponent to advance further in the tournament.
