Alcaraz Gives His Thoughts On Sinner's Comeback From Suspension In Rome

Thursday, 08 May 2025 at 23:55

byErik Virostko

Jannik Sinner will return to the tennis courts at the 2025 Italian Open, and his young rival, Carlos Alcaraz, gave an honest verdict on the Italian's comeback.

Sinner was suspended for three months, and his ban came to an end shortly before the last ATP Masters 1000 tournament on clay. He entered the draw as the top seed, and in his first match back, the 23-year-old Italian will take on Mariano Navone.

Carlos Alcaraz's name appears on the opposite side of the draw, and the young Spaniard will start against Dusan Lajovic. For the four-time major winner, the Italian Open will also be the first event after a short break.

Alcaraz was forced to miss the Madrid Open because of an injury, and it was clear how excited he was during his pre-tournament press conference in the Italian capital.

"Yeah, I'm really happy to be here in Rome. Is the second time that I'm going to play here, so I'm excited. The practices were great so far. Yeah, I'm in good shape. I'm 100% ready to start the tournament. So I just can't wait."

Alcaraz can't play against Sinner until the final since the two appear in the opposite halves of the draw. Still, they are both the favorites to reach that final, so their meeting is very likely.

Alcaraz and Sinner share a very good relationship, and even though some interpreted the Spaniard's previous comments about Sinner's suspension in a certain way, it's clear that the 22-year-old is happy to see his colleague back.

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According to Alcaraz, Sinner's comeback is good not only for him, as it motivates him to be better, but also for tennis in general. Fans at Foro Italico warmly welcomed the reigning ATP World No. 1 player.

"It is great. Honestly, I'm really happy to have him around again. It's been three months. Obviously, for him, it was tough, and I'm pretty sure it was super long. But yeah, I just think it wasn't a better place to come back than here in his home, for him, here in Rome. I saw him."

"As I say, it is great for me, for the tennis, for the fans to have him again around, that he's able to play a tournament again. We are in different sides of the draw. Hopefully, I'm going to meet him at the final."

"But just what I want to say is I'm real happy to see him, his team around. I think, yeah, I'm going to enjoy watching him playing again, his matches. For the people, I think it's great."