Alexander Zverev believes Jannik Sinner will still be the man to beat upon his return from suspension

Although Jannik Sinner was forced to serve a three-month ban after testing positive for a banned substance, the World No.1 will likely be in top form when he returns, says German superstar Alexander Zverev.

Sinner is serving a three-month suspension for testing positive for Clostebol, which is a prohibited substance. The Italian began the season by winning the Australian Open title, before beginning his suspension in February. Sinner is slated to return in time for Roland Garros, with the 2025 Rome Open being his next event.

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There will be little rust in Sinner's game, predicts Zverev

The World No.2 is currently competing at the Monte-Carlo Masters, where he is the top seed. Zverev last faced Sinner in the final of the 2025 Australian Open, where the Italian prevailed in straight sets. In his press conference in Monte-Carlo, Zverev spoke on whether he believes Sinner would be in even better form after his lengthy absence from the courts.

"Stronger than before, I think it's impossible," said Zverev. "He started the season as he had closed it, as number 1. Three months of stoppage, and not due to injury, mind you, are all in all not many. He was able to recharge his batteries and trained in detail, perfecting his shots and movements. It will take very little for him to return to the level of Melbourne."

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Furthermore, Zverev revealed he had struggled to get over the loss in Melbourne, which led to a poor showing during the Latin American swing.

"It was very hard, after Melbourne," confessed the German. "I went to play in Latin America, but I brought that disappointment with me . And a lot of fatigue. I would have liked to rest, but business is business, tennis is my job, the appointments had been scheduled for a long time and I couldn’t back out. Let’s be clear, the places and the public were exceptional. But sometimes you feel better at home."

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