Jannik Sinner’s three-month hiatus from the ATP Tour undeniably cracks open the door for others to snatch high-profile titles. The world No. 1’s jaw-dropping consistency over the past year—nine trophies, just six losses—becomes even more mind-blowing given the doping saga shadowing him. Since January 2024, the 23-year-old Italian from Sesto Pusteria has been nearly untouchable, even with only one event under his belt this season: a repeat Australian Open triumph that keeps him atop the ATP Race.
Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner’s chief rival, can hit stratospheric highs—his four Grand Slam titles prove it. At 21, the Spaniard will be the oddsmakers’ darling until Sinner’s May return. But Alcaraz’s rollercoaster form stands in stark contrast to Sinner’s steady hand. Case in point: Indian Wells, where the world No. 3 flamed out in the semis against Jack Draper, stumbling through a patchy performance that defied expectations.
That Masters 1000 final pitted Draper against Holger Rune—a matchup few saw coming, and one that likely wouldn’t have happened with Sinner in the draw. Brad Gilbert, ex-world No. 4 and coaching icon, didn’t mince words on X: “Biggest takeaway from IW on mens side. Way more opportunity for a final like we have today with the absence of Sin City. The way he’s been playing the last 18 months, he would have been in the final today.” Sinner’s hard-court reign—three straight Major wins—backs up Gilbert’s take. His absence isn’t just felt; it’s reshaping the tour’s landscape.
