Roddick Weighs In on Sinner’s Rome Return: A Tough Road Ahead?
Jannik Sinner’s highly anticipated return to tennis is fast approaching, as his three-month suspension nears its end. The Italian star, who missed major tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami, is set to make his comeback at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome (May 7-18). Given his immense popularity in Italy, the atmosphere at the Foro Italico is expected to be electric.
Rome: The Perfect Stage for Sinner’s Comeback
Former U.S. Open champion Andy Roddick, now an analyst for Tennis Channel and Betway ambassador, shared his thoughts on Sinner’s return.
“His home crowd in Rome is going to go nuts,” Roddick wrote. “With his rise to the top of the rankings, Italian fans haven’t had the chance to see him play live in Rome. This will be special.”
However, Roddick cautions against expecting immediate success.
“He’s coming back on a surface that’s not necessarily his best. That doesn’t mean he’s not great on it, but after three months away, you can’t expect him to just pick up where he left off. Clay demands physical endurance, and his preparation for Roland Garros will be affected. It’s not the same as riding a bike—it takes time to get back into a rhythm.”
Missed Opportunity for Zverev?
While Sinner has been sidelined, Alexander Zverev had a golden opportunity to close the gap in the ATP rankings. Instead, the German has struggled, winning just six matches across five tournaments. His early exits in Buenos Aires, Rio, Acapulco, Indian Wells, and Miami have kept Sinner’s No. 1 spot secure—for now.
Sinner is set to lose ranking points from previous performances in Miami (1,000 points), Monte-Carlo (400), and Rome (200), but Zverev also has points to defend—1,000 in Rome and 1,300 at Roland Garros. With the pressure mounting, winning his first Grand Slam at the French Open may be his only path to the No. 1 ranking.
“I don’t envy his position,” Roddick admitted. “It’s win a Slam or bust. He made the Australian Open final, yet people still focus on what he hasn’t done. That’s a tough spot to be in.”
Mirra Andreeva: A Rising Star
Seventeen-year-old Mirra Andreeva has been a breakout sensation in 2025. Despite an early loss in Miami (third round), the Russian has dominated the WTA circuit, winning back-to-back Premier 1000 titles in Dubai and Indian Wells. Now ranked No. 6, she is also third in the WTA race to the year-end championship.
Roddick is impressed: “Her physicality at 17 is remarkable. Competing against players like Sabalenka and Swiatek at this level isn’t easy, but she’s proving she belongs. I said last month she looks like a future World No. 1. She’s already in the conversation as a top contender this season.”
