Tennis
Jannik Sinner Makes Italian Open Return to Massive Fanfare; Explains Why He Settled for Three-Month Doping Ban
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World number one, Jannik Sinner, got a hero’s welcome as he took to the court for his first practice session at the Italian Open on Monday, May 5.
Sinner became eligible for the session after his three-month doping ban expired at midnight on Sunday.
Nearly 5,000 Fans Welcome Jannik Sinner Back After Doping Ban Expiry
The Italian tennis star conducted his first practice session for the Italian Open at Foro Italico, and nearly 5,000 fans filled the seats to watch their countryman in action. His practice session was also shown live on local TV.
Doping bans tend to take a massive toll on a sportsperson’s credibility, with many quickly dismissing their innate ability. However, Sinner’s public trial has not been as harsh. Instead, fans, especially in Italy, have been irably patient and ive, standing in his corner since he accepted the three-month ban in February after settling with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Recently, British No. 1 Jack Draper showed for the 23-year-old, saying he did not deserve any hate.
Jannik Sinner steps on court for his first practice in Rome.
So much love from the crowd.
Return of the King.
🇮🇹🦊
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 5, 2025
Sinner Explains Why He Chose to Settle with WADA
WADA cracked down on Sinner after he tested positive twice for a banned substance in March 2024. In February, he came to a settlement with WADA, accepting a three-month suspension.
In a press conference after his first practice session at Foro Italico, Sinner said he chose the “best in a very bad moment”.
The three-time Grand Slam winner said (via BBC):
“Of course, when you go to court, it can go both ways – nothing or a lot.
“I didn’t want to do it [agree a settlement] in the beginning, so it was not easy for me to accept it because I know what really happened. But sometimes we have to choose the best in a very bad moment, and that’s what we did.”
He concluded by adding:
“For me personally it’s good news that there are not the Grand Slams included.”
Since it is the first time Italy will have a homegrown No. 1 for the Italian Open, fans will undoubtedly pack the stands in the coming weeks. The youngster, who has a first-round bye, will play his first match at the 2025 Italian Open against either Argentina’s world No. 99 Mariano Navone or Italian wildcard Federico Cina on Saturday, May 10.