Jannik Sinner Returns Stronger After Ban: “He Still Hits the Ball Hard”
Jannik Sinner has shown no signs of rust after his three-month suspension, with fellow ATP players confirming that the World No. 1 remains as powerful as ever. The Italian star has not played competitively since winning the Australian Open final on January 26, where he defeated Alexander Zverev in straight sets to defend his title.
Shortly after that victory, Sinner accepted a three-month ban after testing positive for the banned substance clostebol in March 2024. Although it was determined that the substance entered his system unintentionally through contamination, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the initial ruling and enforced a suspension that lasted from February 9 to May 4.
WADA regulations prohibited Sinner from training until April 13, but once that restriction lifted, he quickly returned to practice, working with top-tier players and fellow Italians to regain his form.
One of those players, former world No. 21 Lorenzo Sonego, trained with Sinner and was impressed by the 23-year-old’s intensity and power. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sonego said, “He is coming back as an even stronger champion. He has an incredible hunger to compete and can’t wait to feel the adrenaline of being in a match again.”
Sonego dismissed any doubts about Sinner’s game, adding: “Does he still hit the ball hard? Oh yes! It’s been a long time since I’ve played at that level for so long—it was a real workout. Training with the world No. 1 is a privilege.”
Sinner returns to action at the Italian Open in Rome, eager to reconnect with the sport he loves and prove that his time away has only made him more determined.
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