Protected return: Rome Open prepares for Sinner’s post-suspension comeback

Jannik Sinner will receive protection from the Rome Open organisers on his return to the Tour after serving a three-month doping ban. The World No. 1 reached an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency for a reduced three-month sanction, avoiding an appeal that could have led to a suspension “between one and two years.”

Although Sinner maintained his innocence throughout — a stance confirmed by the ITIA — the Italian opted to accept the suspension, which began on 9 February. As a result, he has spent over a month away from competition and out of the public eye. Since the suspension was announced, Sinner has given no interviews or statements regarding the matter.

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Sinner’s comeback under the spotlight

The three-time Grand Slam champion was forced to miss four Masters 1000 tournaments during this period: in addition to withdrawing from the Sunshine Double at Indian Wells and the Miami Open, he will also miss the first clay Masters in Monte-Carlo and Madrid. Nonetheless, his comeback is expected to take place at his home tournament, the Italian Open in Rome.

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The tournament organisers are aware that all eyes will be on the 23-year-old in his first appearance since the Australian Open, where he is likely to be the top seed. According to Ubi Tennis, Angelo Binaghi, president of the Italian Tennis Federation, revealed that due to the attention Sinner draws in his home country, he will receive special protection while in Rome.

“Sinner can no longer live in Italy, and in the two days he was here last year, this was confirmed,” Binaghi stated. “We will dedicate something to him along the lines of what Djokovic had asked for a few years ago. As World No. 1, he did not frequent the players’ lounge, in an attempt to create a place where he could prepare for the match and relax.”

“For the same reason, we would gladly give up a part of our lounge to Jannik if he wants, because we believe he should be protected.”

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Sinner’s case has shaken the tennis world since news broke last August. Even Novak Djokovic commented a month ago: “Inside the locker room, a majority of players are not happy with the way this process has been handled and think it's not fair, that there is favoritism,” he remarked as part of the PTPA board.

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