Jannik Sinner is acclaimed by fans in the background. © ANSA / ETTORE FERRARI

This is how crazy the Sinner hype in Rome really is

Italian journalists have already euphorically reported “Habemus Sinner”: This is not the only thing that shows how present the hype surrounding the comeback player is again in Rome.

06 May 2025

From: dpa/dl

Thousands of fans watch his first training session upon his return to Rome. As soon as he enters the pitch, they cheer the South Tyrolean as if it were a final, or at least an important match. Live television broadcasts training footage.

At his first press conference at the Masters 1000 event, the journalists sit close together. The 2024 US Open champion immediately dispels rumors of a new love interest. (“I’m not in a relationship”) – Sinner has long been more than just a tennis player.

"So now it's all over. I'm happy to be playing tennis again." Jannik Sinner

In response to the first question, he said he initially didn't want to accept the ban because he knew what had really happened. "But sometimes you have to choose the best in a very bad moment, and that's what we did. So now it's all over. I'm happy to be playing tennis again," the world number one said of the agreement. Sinner was banned for three months after traces of the doping substance clostebol were discovered on his body in March 2024.

“Habemus Sinner” and thoughts of resignation

Sinner's comeback is eagerly awaited in the tennis world. Italian journalists wrote of "Habemus Sinner," referring to the papal conclave that begins just a few kilometers away on Wednesday. Habemus Papam will be announced when white smoke has risen: We have a pope. Italian sport has a Sinner.

In Rome, it was also observed when the 23-year-old landed in his private plane and that he was wearing a white tracksuit jacket and black trousers. The euphoria contrasts with Sinner's thoughts, which he expressed to the broadcaster a few days ago. Rai revealed.

This is how Sinner got off the plane in Rome. © ANSA / ETTORE FERRARI

In an interview, the South Tyrolean, when asked if there was ever a moment when he wanted to give up everything, answered after a brief hesitation: "Yes. I remember that I wasn't having a very happy phase before the Australian Open this year."

On January 26, Sinner triumphed in the final against Alexander Zverev in Melbourne. He comforted the Hamburg native with a hug at the awards ceremony. It was his last appearance before his disqualification. The top seed is scheduled to return to action in Rome on Saturday.

“The players looked at me differently”

At the Australian Open, it was still unclear whether Sinner might face a long suspension. When he arrived in Australia, he didn't feel comfortable, for example in the locker room or at the food court, Sinner reported. "The players looked at me differently. It wasn't nice. It's hard to live like that in tennis."

The out-of-court settlement for the three-month ban was announced in mid-February. The World Anti-Doping Agency declared the case "a million kilometers away from doping."

Jannik Sinner has been through a difficult period. © ANSA / ETTORE FERRARI

Sinner had previously stated that the substance had unknowingly entered his body through the hands of a masseur. The ITIA, the agency responsible for doping investigations in tennis, believed him and declined to impose a ban. WADA challenged this and appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Whether the three-month ban was fair or not was a controversial topic of debate in the tennis world. Zverev found the entire process "odd." Serena Williams, who retired, said she should have received "20 years" and had her Grand Slam title revoked.

After the diagnosis, Sinner secured the title in New York last year and triumphed in Melbourne at the start of the new season. Record Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic also spoke of a feeling of preferential treatment being a topic of discussion in the locker room. Sinner dismissed this.

Sinner’s number 1 status remains

He hasn't missed any opportunities to win prestigious titles during the suspension. The next Grand Slam tournament begins on May 25: the French Open in Paris. Sinner can prepare for it in Rome and in front of a German audience in Hamburg.

Jannik Sinner (right) during his first training session at the Foro Italico. © ANSA / ETTORE FERRARI

During his enforced break, men's tennis was characterized by inconsistent performances and the weakening of his top competitors such as Carlos Alcaraz, Zverev, and Djokovic. Sinner's status as number one remained completely untouched. Zverev could have replaced him, but was in a crisis. After the Australian Open, he lost strength, only recently regaining his confidence with his tournament victory in Munich.

Sinner said the suspension was toughest at the beginning. He wasn't allowed to attend any sporting events. He couldn't go to the stadium to watch a football match or support his friends in cycling races. He now has low expectations for his participation in Rome. "The goal will be Paris, but I'm here to see what level I'm at."