Australian Open quarter-finalist has kept his promise to Jannik Sinner ahead of his return to tennis from suspension

Lorenzo Sonego, an Australian Open quarterfinalist in 2025, fulfilled a promise to train with Jannik Sinner ahead of Sinner’s return from a three-month doping suspension at the Italian Open in Rome, starting May 7, 2025. Sonego, a close friend and compatriot, made the commitment to *La Repubblica* when Sinner’s suspension was announced in February, stating, “Obviously, Jannik can always count on me.” The suspension, stemming from two positive tests for clostebol in March 2024, was deemed unintentional by the World Anti-Doping Agency, but Sinner accepted a ban from February 9 to May 4, 2025, missing several Masters 1000 events but no Grand Slams. Sonego, who reached the Australian Open quarterfinals after defeating an injured Learner Tien, trained with Sinner to help him regain match fitness for his home tournament, where Sinner has yet to reach the semifinals. Their bond extends beyond training, as they secured Italy’s 2023 Davis Cup title together, with Sonego and Sinner winning a crucial doubles match against Novak Djokovic and Miomir Kecmanovic. Sonego’s support underscores their strong camaraderie as Sinner prepares to compete again.