Jannik Sinner set to make history when he returns to tennis after Alexander Zverev exits the Monte Carlo Masters following loss to Matteo Berrettini
Italy’s tennis sensation Jannik Sinner is gearing up for a historic return to the court — and the stage is perfectly set.
Having accepted a three-month suspension from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) earlier this year, Sinner has been training quietly in Monaco, just steps away from the ongoing Monte Carlo Masters. Though absent from the draw, he’s been closely watching his top-ranked rivals — including Alexander Zverev, who just suffered a shock exit at the hands of Matteo Berrettini.
World No. 1 Status Secured Ahead of Comeback
Zverev’s early defeat has only reinforced Sinner’s dominant position in the ATP rankings. According to live ranking updates, Sinner holds a 2,335-point lead over Zverev and sits 3,200 points ahead of Carlos Alcaraz. No matter what happens between now and his return, Sinner is guaranteed to remain the world No. 1.
His much-anticipated comeback is scheduled for the Italian Open in Rome, beginning May 7, where he will become the first Italian in history to compete at the tournament as the ATP’s top-ranked player.
“1 – Jannik Sinner will be the first Italian player to feature at the Internazionali d’Italia as World No. 1.”
— OptaAce via X (Twitter), April 8, 2025
Alcaraz Eyes Zverev’s No. 2 Spot
While Zverev’s hopes of reclaiming the No. 1 ranking have taken a hit, his No. 2 spot is also under threat. If Alcaraz were to win his first-ever match at the Monte Carlo Masters — and go all the way — he would leapfrog Zverev in the rankings. However, that remains a long shot given the Spaniard’s past struggles at the event.
Sinner’s History in Rome: Mixed but Promising
Though Rome promises to be an emotional return for the home favorite, the Italian Open has historically been one of Sinner’s less successful Masters 1000 events, with a career win rate of 64% at the tournament.
Here’s how he’s fared in past editions:
| Year | Result | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Second Round | Lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas (6–3, 6–2) |
| 2020 | Third Round | Lost to Grigor Dimitrov (4–6, 6–4, 6–4) |
| 2021 | Second Round | Lost to Rafael Nadal (7–5, 6–4) |
| 2022 | Quarter-Final | Lost to Tsitsipas (7–6(5), 6–2) |
| 2023 | Fourth Round | Lost to Francisco Cerundolo (6–7(3), 6–2, 6–2) |
Sinner missed the 2024 tournament due to a hip injury, but returns this year as the reigning Australian Open champion, eager to extend his dominance.
Clay Court Questions Ahead of Roland Garros
While clay has never been Sinner’s best surface, expectations are high as he targets a deep run in both Rome and Roland Garros. With a refreshed mindset and the world No. 1 ranking firmly in hand, the Italian could be poised to silence any remaining doubters.
