Jannik Sinner equals record set by Rafael Nadal while holding World No.1 ranking, set for return in Rome

Despite serving a three-month ban that has prevented him from competing on the ATP Tour, Jannik Sinner has somehow kept a hold on the World No.1 ranking as he now enters his 46th straight week at the pole position.

The Italian tested positive for Clostebol, a banned substance, at last year's Indian Wells event. After a lengthy legal battle, Sinner was handed a three-month ban that is set to end at the start of May. However, the reigning Australian Open champion remains at the top of the ATP Rankings as his return to the court at the Rome Open looms ahead.

The 23-year old has been one of the most dominant players on tour over the past year, which culminated with him winning three Grand Slam singles titles in addition to attaining the World No.1 ranking. Nonetheless, the San Candido native was at risk of losing the top spot to superstar Alexander Zverev during his suspension, should the German accrue enough points to catch up.

However, Zverev was unable to muster enough wins to overtake Sinner, thereby allowing the Italian to spend his 46th consecutive week as the World No.1. This milestone ties legendary Spaniard Rafael Nadal, who also spent 46 weeks during his first stint as the top-ranked player. With his suspension coming to an end, Sinner now has his sights set on surpassing Serbian Novak Djokovic, who held the top ranking for 53 consecutive weeks during his first run as World No.1.