Medvedev Calls Sinner’s Return “Fantastic” as Italian Nears End of Suspension
Daniil Medvedev believes that Jannik Sinner’s return to the ATP Tour will be “fantastic,” as the Italian world No 1 nears the end of his three-month suspension.
Sinner is currently serving a ban until May 4, 2025, after reaching a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The ban came despite an earlier ruling from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), which had found Sinner had “no fault or negligence” for testing positive for the banned steroid clostebol twice in March 2024. WADA appealed the decision, but a settlement was reached before the matter reached the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Sinner has already missed the Indian Wells and Miami Open Masters events, and will also sit out the Monte Carlo Masters and Madrid Open. His expected return is set for the Italian Open in Rome, which would mark his first appearance back on home soil.
Medvedev, a three-time Grand Slam winner and former world No 1, has firsthand experience of Sinner’s rise. He’s lost eight of their last nine matchups and expects the Italian to be even tougher when he returns.
“Tennis is an individual sport. Injuries, suspensions — anything can happen,” Medvedev said in an interview with Ubitennis. “We know Sinner will be back soon, in Rome. There are still two Masters 1000 events without him, but I’m sure he’s training hard.”
“Right now, he’s not playing, and others are winning titles. But when he comes back, facing him will be more difficult for everyone. Jannik wins so many matches — I think his return will be fantastic for the ATP circuit.”
In Sinner’s absence, world No 2 Alexander Zverev is the top seed in Monte Carlo, followed by world No 3 Carlos Alcaraz. Taylor Fritz, the current world No 4, withdrew, making Medvedev the ninth seed in the draw.
Medvedev is hoping to rebound from recent poor form, including a second-round loss in Miami. He faces countryman Karen Khachanov in the Monte Carlo opener and could meet eighth seed Alex de Minaur in the third round.
