Daijiworld Media Network - Rome

Rome, May 19: After a three-month doping suspension, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner made a strong return at the ATP 1000 tournament in Rome, ahead of the French Open. Originally set to play the Hamburg Open as a backup, Sinner withdrew from that event after finding enough rhythm in Rome.

Sinner’s performance showed flashes of brilliance, notably a dominant 6-0, 6-1 quarter-final win over world No. 7 Casper Ruud, who described it as “next level s**t.” However, inconsistency crept in during the semi-final against Tommy Paul and the final loss to Carlos Alcaraz, reflecting the challenges of regaining full form after a long break.

Despite these dips, Sinner felt his level was closer to pre-suspension form than expected. “Very happy about this tournament. It gives me hopefully the confidence to play some good tennis also in Paris,” he said.

Elite athletes often struggle mentally after enforced breaks, and Sinner admitted to moments of doubt during his suspension. Yet, like some athletes who quickly return to form, he regained his speed, movement, and strokes swiftly after resuming training in April.

Sinner built momentum through early rounds before showing his best tennis in tougher matches, signaling readiness for Roland Garros. His main rival, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, praised his comeback and warned, “He’s going to be a really dangerous player in Paris.”

With the French Open starting Sunday, Sinner enters as a strong contender aiming for a polished and confident return on the Parisian clay.