Serena Williams’ ex-coach sends warning to Jannik Sinner about potential risk ahead of his Italian Open comeback
Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci, issued a cautionary message to Jannik Sinner ahead of his anticipated return at the 2025 Italian Open, starting May 7, following a three-month doping suspension that ended on May 4. In a statement reported by *Sportskeeda* on May 4, 2025, Macci emphasized the risk of injury as the primary concern for the world No. 1, who has been sidelined from competitive play since his Australian Open title defense in January. “The number one thing right now for the number one is injury,” Macci warned, highlighting the physical challenges Sinner faces after such a long break, despite his ability to train during the suspension.[](https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/news-serena-williams-ex-coach-sends-warning-jannik-sinner-potential-risk-ahead-italian-open-comeback)
Sinner, who tested positive for clostebol twice in March 2024 due to unintentional contamination from a physiotherapist’s treatment, accepted a three-month ban after a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency. The 23-year-old Italian, with a 9-0 record in 2025, has been preparing rigorously, training with players like Lorenzo Sonego and Jack Draper in Monte Carlo. However, Macci stressed that the lack of match sharpness could strain Sinner’s body, particularly on clay, a demanding surface where he has only one career title (Umag 2022). Sinner’s best Italian Open result was a 2022 quarterfinal, and his sixth appearance in Rome will test his fitness and form.
Macci’s warning aligns with broader concerns about Sinner’s comeback. Former player Paolo Lorenzi, in *Il Corriere dello Sport*, noted that three months without matches might delay Sinner’s return to peak performance, despite the emotional boost from Rome’s home crowd. Sinner himself acknowledged the challenge, telling ORF Sudtirol, “The first games will be really difficult,” but expressed confidence in regaining rhythm. The risk of injury is heightened by the intense scrutiny Sinner faces post-doping saga, with critics like Nick Kyrgios and Serena Williams—who claimed she’d have faced a 20-year ban for a similar offense—adding pressure.[](https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/17/sport/serena-williams-jannik-sinner-doping-ban-tennis-spt/index.html)
Macci, who has coached tennis greats like Venus Williams and Maria Sharapova, previously praised Sinner’s mental resilience, suggesting the doping controversy strengthened him. However, his latest advice underscores the physical hurdle as Sinner aims to rebuild momentum for Roland Garros, where he’s a favorite despite the layoff. With nearly 2,000 ranking points over rivals Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner’s cautious approach to fitness will be crucial to avoid setbacks in Rome.[]
