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‘Players I expected didn’t text me during dope ban’: Jannik Sinner says he has low expectations from Italian Open

Sinner is to be honoured alongside his Davis Cup teammates and the Billie Jean King Cup players after Italy swept both of tennis’ biggest team titles last year. He will also hold an open practice session that is expected to attract a sold-out crowd of 10,500 spectators.

Jannik Sinner of Italy reacts after defeating Alexander Zverev of Germany in the men's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. (AP Photo)

Tennis World no.1 Jannik Sinner is set for a comeback at the Italian Open on May 5 after serving three-month ban for doping.

In a press conference, ahead of the tournament, Sinner spoke about his complicated relationship with other tennis players during this phase.

“Tennis is an individual sport, everyone has their own team. In Monte Carlo I met Draper and Sonego, we had a great time. At the beginning I had surprising messages from tennis players that I would not have expected to receive. And nothing from those who instead I expected to receive something. Names? I don’t want to name them. Everything will be fine, it will pass slowly”.

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He also talked about how he has set himself low expectations from his comeback tournament.

“I have low expectations for this tournament. I’ve been out for so long and I have no feedback on how I’m going to play.

“The goal will be Paris, I’m not here to beat anyone but to try to get through the first round and then we’ll see what can happen. It’s difficult for me to start a new tournament and get back to the rhythm. But we’re very calm, we’re physically and mentally well, we’re rested, which will pay off at the end of the season too”.

He also detailed how tough it was for him to handle the ban, especially at its start.

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“The hardest moment of the suspension was at the beginning. I couldn’t attend any sporting event. I couldn’t go to the stadium to watch a football match or follow a cycling race of my friends. But I was happy to spend time with my family”.

Sinner set to be honoured

Meanwhile, the Associated Press reported that Sinner is to be honoured alongside his Davis Cup teammates and the Billie Jean King Cup players after Italy swept both of tennis’ biggest team titles last year.

He was scheduled to hold an open practice session later on Campo Centrale that is expected to attract a sold-out crowd of 10,500 spectators. It will be broadcast live on Italian TV. Before the practice session, Sinner is to be honored for the Davis Cup success.