Jannik Sinner, the world’s top-ranked tennis player, made a triumphant return to the court at the 2025 Italian Open after serving a three-month suspension. In his first match since winning the Australian Open earlier this year, Sinner defeated Mariano Navone 6-3, 6-4. However, in a candid post-match press conference, Sinner revealed the doubts he faced during his time away from the game and how he navigated them during his comeback.
A Triumphant Return
Sinner’s return to the Italian Open was highly anticipated, especially since he missed the tournament last year due to a hip injury. The Italian star was greeted by a passionate home crowd, eager to see him compete on the red clay of Rome.
“Amazing feeling, I’ve waited quite long for this moment,” Sinner said, expressing his joy at being back on the court. He acknowledged the difficulty of regaining the right feedback without match experience, stating that matches themselves are the best form of practice.
Despite securing a straight-sets victory, Sinner admitted that the match was a “rollercoaster” of emotions. He highlighted the nervousness he felt serving for the first time and the challenges of moving effectively on the court.
Addressing the Suspension
Sinner’s three-month suspension stemmed from a doping case where he tested positive for clostebol, a prohibited substance. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) initially sought a longer ban, but a settlement was reached, resulting in a three-month suspension. The suspension was attributed to a contaminated spray used by his former physio to treat a cut on his finger.
The suspension forced Sinner to miss several ATP 500 and Masters 1000 tournaments. His coach, Simone Vagnozzi, noted the challenges Sinner faced during this period, including difficulties finding sanctioned training venues. Sinner was unable to train at his Monaco club and had to practice at a court in France.
The Weight of Doubt
Sinner openly discussed the doubts he experienced during his suspension. He admitted that it would be “very arrogant” to not have any doubts, emphasizing the importance of humility.
“Of course. It’s normal to have doubts,” Sinner said. “Would be strange to not have any doubts. Would sound very arrogant, no? I have doubts. I had doubts before going on court today. I have doubts now what’s going to happen in the next match”.
Sinner further explained that “we have to live with doubts because it means that you really care, that you want to improve, that you want to show yourself, that you want to do something special”. He believes that everyone experiences daily doubts, and it’s a sign of caring and striving for improvement.
Redefining the Mindset
Despite the challenges and doubts, Sinner maintained a positive outlook. He viewed his time away from competition as an opportunity to reset and prepare mentally for his return.
“I feel like we prepared ourself in the best possible way,” Sinner said. He acknowledged missing the feedback from official matches but emphasized the importance of using his comeback to identify areas for improvement.
Sinner entered the Italian Open with a different attitude, focusing on understanding what he needs to do better for the next round. He expressed a desire to play a couple more matches to assess his level and set that as his main goal.
Looking Ahead
With his victory over Navone, Sinner extended his winning streak to 22 matches. His next opponent is Jesper de Jong, a lucky loser from the qualifiers. Sinner has faced de Jong once before, defeating him in straight sets at the 2024 Australian Open.
Sinner’s return to the Italian Open marks his first time playing the tournament since 2023. Last year, he had to withdraw due to injury. In 2024, Sinner reached the semifinals of the French Open, losing to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz. A potential final between Sinner and Alcaraz at the Italian Open is highly anticipated.
Sinner has also signed up for the Hamburg Open, which takes place the week before the French Open, indicating his desire for extra clay-court time. As he progresses through the Italian Open, Sinner could face Francisco Cerundolo or Sebastian Ofner in the fourth round.
Sinner’s All-Black Kit
During his comeback match, Sinner sported an all-black Nike kit. When asked about his choice of attire, Sinner explained that he has often worn all black when playing in Rome. He said he likes having everything in the same color and prefers darker colors over bright ones.
A Champion’s Humility
Jannik Sinner’s return to the Italian Open was not just a comeback on the court but also a display of mental fortitude and humility. By openly acknowledging his doubts and uncertainties, Sinner provided a rare glimpse into the challenges faced by top athletes. His willingness to confront his fears and focus on continuous improvement sets him apart as a true champion. As he continues his journey at the Italian Open, Sinner’s resilience and determination will undoubtedly inspire fans and competitors alike.
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