Jannik Sinner reveals ‘hardest moment’ of three-month ban in first post-suspension press conference

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has opened up about the most difficult part of his recent three-month doping suspension, speaking publicly for the first time since the ban was lifted on May 4.

Sinner, 23, was suspended in February 2025 after testing positive for the banned substance clostebol in March 2024. He maintained the positive test was due to contamination and was initially cleared in August. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the decision, resulting in the three-month suspension.

Despite the ban, Sinner remains atop the ATP rankings and will make his return at the Italian Open in Rome this week. He had been allowed to train at official tennis venues since mid-April but was barred from all sporting events earlier in the suspension.

Speaking to the media in Rome, Sinner described the beginning of his suspension as the most difficult phase.

“I wasn’t allowed to attend any sporting events – not even to watch friends compete in football or cycling. That isolation was the hardest part,” he said. “Still, I tried to make the best of it and appreciated the time with family.”

Although Sinner played only one tournament so far in 2025—his Australian Open victory in January—he still leads the ATP Race to Turin and is optimistic but cautious about his comeback.

“I have low expectations for this tournament. I’ve been out too long to know how I’ll perform. The main goal is Roland Garros,” he said. “Physically and mentally, I feel rested, and I hope that pays off later in the season.”

Sinner will begin his Italian Open campaign in the second round against either fellow Italian Federico Cina or Argentina’s Mariano Navone.

Following Rome, he plans to compete at the ATP 500 Hamburg Open before heading to Paris for the French Open.