Sinner’s Comeback: Familiar Face Joins Training Camp!

Jannik Sinner, the world’s number one tennis player, is gearing up for his highly anticipated return to the court after serving a three-month suspension. As he prepares to reclaim his top form, Sinner has enlisted a familiar face as his training partner, signaling his serious intentions for the upcoming tournaments. Let’s dive into the details of Sinner’s training regime, his choice of partner, and what we can expect from his comeback.

Sinner’s Suspension: A Recap

In February 2025, Sinner accepted a three-month suspension as part of a case resolution agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). This decision followed positive tests for a banned substance, clostebol, in March 2024. Despite arguing that the contamination was accidental and without performance-enhancing intent, WADA maintained that athletes are responsible for their team’s negligence, leading to the agreed-upon suspension.

The suspension, which began on February 9 and ends on May 4, forced Sinner to miss several key tournaments, including the Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, and Madrid. However, the break may have provided him with an opportunity to rest and fine-tune his game.

The Comeback Plan: Rome and Beyond

Sinner’s comeback is slated for the Italian Open in Rome, which begins on May 7, 2025. This tournament holds special significance for the Italian star, as it is his home Masters 1000 event. Sinner missed the tournament last year due to injury, so he has a chance to gain ranking points this year.

Following Rome, Sinner will set his sights on the French Open at Roland Garros, beginning on May 25. He reached the semi-finals at the French Open in 2024.

Familiar Face: Jack Draper

To prepare for his return, Sinner has chosen Jack Draper, the British No. 1, as his training partner. Draper, currently ranked No. 6 in the world, is a familiar face in Sinner’s camp, as they have a good relationship on and off the court. The pair have even played doubles together in the past, and Sinner has reportedly taught Draper how to cook pasta.

Draper’s presence in Sinner’s training camp indicates the Italian’s focus on high-quality preparation. Draper is a strong player with a powerful game, making him an ideal sparring partner for Sinner as he looks to regain his match fitness.

Training Location and Schedule

Sinner has been training at the Beaulieu’s Tennis Club near Monaco, which offers an indoor clay court facility, allowing him to practice despite unfavorable weather conditions.

Prior to April 13, Sinner was restricted to private gym facilities and private tennis courts with sparring partners who were not professionally registered. However, since April 13, he has been able to resume “official training activity,” allowing him to practice at the Monte-Carlo Country Club and other ATP, WTA, or ITF-affiliated venues.

During the week of April 6-13, when the Monte-Carlo Masters 1000 event was held, Sinner reportedly traveled to Marbella, Spain, to continue his training. This demonstrates his commitment to maintaining his training schedule despite the restrictions imposed by his suspension.

Sinner’s Mindset and Preparation

According to his coach, Darren Cahill, Sinner has handled his suspension with maturity and has a positive mindset. Cahill revealed that Sinner is focused on using this time to improve his game and is determined to return to the court stronger than ever.

Sinner has also been keeping busy off the court, engaging in activities such as skiing, golf, cycling, and karting. He even attended Milan Fashion Week, showcasing his diverse interests and maintaining a balanced lifestyle during his time away from competition.

Other Potential Training Partners

In addition to Jack Draper, Sinner has also been linked with other potential training partners, including Matteo Berrettini and Dominic Thiem.

• Matteo Berrettini: Sinner reportedly sparred with his fellow Italian, Matteo Berrettini, at the Monte-Carlo Country Club. Berrettini, a former Wimbledon finalist, has praised Sinner’s work ethic and demeanor, highlighting their camaraderie and mutual respect.

• Dominic Thiem: There were reports of Sinner potentially training with retired champion Dominic Thiem. The two players have a good relationship, and Thiem’s experience and knowledge of the game could be valuable to Sinner.

Sinner’s Ranking: Still No. 1

Despite his suspension, Sinner is guaranteed to remain the world No. 1 when he returns to the tour in Rome. His rivals, Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz, have not been able to accumulate enough points to surpass him in the rankings.

This ensures that Sinner will spend his 45th through 49th weeks at No. 1 during his suspension and the Italian Open. He will be the favorite to win the title.

Sinner’s Training Regime: A Closer Look

While Sinner’s specific training regime during his suspension has been kept relatively private, insights from his coach and trainers provide a glimpse into his preparations.

• Fitness Training: Sinner’s fitness trainer, Marco Panichi, has emphasized the importance of using this period to work on aspects of his game that need improvement. This suggests a focus on strength, endurance, and agility, which are crucial for success in modern tennis.
• Tennis-Specific Drills: Sinner’s training likely includes tennis-specific drills to maintain his technique, timing, and court movement. These drills may focus on his forehand, backhand, serve, and volley, as well as his footwork and agility.
• Mental Preparation: Sinner’s mental strength is a key asset, and he likely continues to work on his mental game during his suspension. This may involve visualization exercises, meditation, and strategies for managing pressure and adversity.

What to Expect from Sinner’s Comeback

Sinner’s return to the court is highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike. Given his talent, work ethic, and the quality of his preparation, he is expected to be a major contender in the upcoming tournaments.

• Italian Open: Sinner will be the top seed and a strong favorite to win the title. Playing in front of his home crowd, he will be motivated to perform at his best and make a deep run in the tournament.

• French Open: Sinner will be among the top contenders for the title. His powerful game and improved clay-court skills make him a threat to any opponent on the surface.

• Overall: Sinner is expected to continue his rise in the rankings and establish himself as one of the dominant players in the world. His potential is limitless.

Coaching Team

Jannik Sinner’s success is due in part to his dedicated coaching team.

• Simone Vagnozzi: Vagnozzi has been working with Sinner since February 2022. He is described as “the one that’s really steering the ship”.

• Darren Cahill: Cahill joined Sinner’s team in July 2022. He has coached multiple players to the world No. 1 ranking, including Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt, and Simona Halep. 2025 will be his final year coaching Sinner.

Sinner’s ability to learn from the combined experience of Vagnozzi and Cahill is key to his continued development.

Conclusion

Jannik Sinner’s comeback is one of the most anticipated events in the tennis world. With a familiar face in Jack Draper joining his training camp and a clear plan in place, Sinner is well-prepared to make a strong return to the tour. All eyes will be on him as he competes in the Italian Open and the French Open, where he will aim to reclaim his status as one of the sport’s top players.