When Jannik Sinner raised the Australian Open trophy in late January, few anticipated that it would be over 100 days before he stepped onto a court again.
Just three weeks following his third Grand Slam victory, it was revealed that the world number one accepted a three-month suspension due to failing two doping tests in March 2024.
Despite being exonerated by an independent panel after testing positive for the banned substance clostebol, the 23-year-old Italian was reportedly held accountable for the “negligence” of his entourage and subsequently received a ban that will conclude on Sunday evening.
As Sinner prepares to make his return at the Italian Open shortly, BBC Sport discusses how he has maintained his top ranking and provides insights into his activities during the suspension.
How Sinner Has Sustained His Position
When Sinner re-enters the court in Rome this week, he will still hold the title of the world’s top men’s player.
His Australian Open title created a significant point buffer of 3,695 over Germany’s Alexander Zverev, the player Sinner defeated in Melbourne’s final. With four Masters tournaments occurring during Sinner’s absence, opportunities for Zverev or Carlos Alcaraz to surpass him seemed plentiful.
The Impact of His Absence on Rivals
While sidelined, Sinner observed his closest competitors struggle to capitalize on the chance to close the gap. Zverev failed to secure a major title after losing yet another Grand Slam final, impacting his confidence significantly.
Additionally, Alcaraz, a four-time major champion by age 22, found it challenging to narrow the points differential, despite winning at Monte Carlo and reaching the Barcelona final.
Reception upon His Return
While Sinner is likely to receive an enthusiastic welcome back at the Italian Open, the atmosphere in the locker room may be different. Some players have expressed discomfort about Sinner’s doping case, with three-time major champion Stan Wawrinka among those criticizing how the situation was handled.
Preparation During the Ban
Though unable to compete until Monday, Sinner was permitted to practice. He spent the first part of his suspension at a private training facility, keeping his distance from other professionals. His recent practices included sessions with British player Jack Draper and the Norwegian teenager Nicolai Budkov Kjaer.
Life Beyond Tennis
Outside of tennis, Sinner connected with family in Italy and indulged in personal interests like skiing and go-karting. Reports suggest he has returned to practice feeling refreshed and ready for competition.
