Remember February? The tennis world was rocked when the reigning World No. 1 Jannik Sinner was handed a shocking three-month ban, just weeks after he celebrated his third Grand Slam title at the AO, cementing his dominance atop the ATP rankings. But time has changed, and the clouds have lifted. The ban is over, and the Italian maestro is officially back. Drawn into the top half of the Italian Open, he’ll kick off his campaign on May 10, courtesy of a first-round bye. As the Roman crowd gears up for Sinner’s return, rival Carlos Alcaraz breaks his silence.

Jannik Sinner’s doping case became one of tennis’s most talked-about controversies ahead of the 2024 US Open. On August 20, the ITIA announced that the Italian had twice tested positive for clostebol in March. However, after an independent hearing, he was found to bear “no fault or negligence,” with the positive tests traced back to a healing spray used by his physio, Umberto Ferrara. Sinner later parted ways with Ferrara and fellow physio Giacomo Naldi just before winning the US Open against Taylor Fritz.

WADA, dissatisfied with the ITIA’s ruling, appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking a one-to two-year ban for Sinner. CAS scheduled the hearing for April 2025, but it never took place. Instead, Sinner and WADA reached an out-of-court settlement, resulting in a 3-month ban from February 9 to May 4, conveniently missing no GS. And now, as Sinner returns to the court at the Italian Open, Alcaraz is speaking out with honest views about his rival’s comeback.

Speaking at the pre-tournament press conference, Carlos said, “It is great. 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. I think [there isn’t] a better place to come back than here in his home, in Rome.”

Later, the Spaniard also shared his desire to play against Sinner, which would ultimately give the audience the match they want to see. “We are in different sides of the draw. Hopefully I’m going to meet him at the final… I’m really happy to see him, his team around. I think I’m going to enjoy watching him play again, his matches. For the people, I think [it] is great,” Carlos further illustrated. 

Sinner also opened up about his return to tennis, describing his time away from the court as very long months. Though he spent much of it in the gym and watching other sports, he was not allowed to attend live tennis events, which only added to his frustration. “I tried to understand a little bit what is most important for me,” he said. “I know how many sacrifices I have made.”

“I haven’t seen most of them,” the Italian further added, talking about his fellow players, some of whom have voiced concern over the anti-doping authorities’ handling of his case. “It’s a very strange feeling again in the beginning, to be around with so many people and attention, but it’s nice to be back.”

Meanwhile, Alcaraz, while expressing admiration and anticipation for a potential showdown in Rome, also commented on his own form following his recent withdrawal from the Madrid Open.

Carlos Alcaraz provides updates about his health after withdrawal from Madrid Open

Carlos Alcaraz had to withdraw from the Madrid Open because of an adductor injury last month that flared up during the Barcelona final. “In the Barcelona final I felt something in the left hamstring, I didn’t think that it was that serious. I’m really disappointed that I’m not able to play here in Madrid. It is a place that I love playing in front of my people,” the Spaniard shared, expressing his frustration over missing the prestigious event in his home country.

During the Barcelona final, where he was defeated by Holger Rune, Alcaraz required treatment on his upper right leg. Although he initially hoped to recover in time for the Madrid event, the timing proved too tight. The 2-time Madrid champion and recent Monte-Carlo title winner had to take a cautious approach, opting to prioritize recovery ahead of the rest of the clay season.

Now, Alcaraz is back and ready to compete in the Italian Open, making his second appearance at the Italian Open after missing last year due to an arm injury. Speaking ahead of his return, he offered a promising update on his condition. “I’m really happy to be here in Rome. It’s the second time that I’m going to play here, so I’m excited. The practises were great so far. I’m in good shape. I’m 100 per cent ready to start the tournament. So I just can’t wait for tomorrow,” Carlos said at his pre-tournament press conference on Thursday.

For now, his focus is on his opening match on Friday, where the World No. 3 and current leader in the ATP Live Race To Turin will face Dusan Lajovic. Expectations are high, but how far will Alcaraz go in Rome this year?