Three months. That’s how long tennis fans have missed World No.1 Jannik Sinner for. Ever since WADA handed him a 3-month suspension following the doping controversy, back in February, various ATP events have gone by without his presence. But the three-time slam king is finally set for an awaited comeback. And what could be a better occasion than to have it at an event in front of your home crowd? Seems like the Fox is feeling the excitement as well to impress his ardent fans when he steps on the clay court in Rome on Saturday. However, the ‘Sinner the Winner’ is hardly focusing on – the win itself.

Last month, Sinner finally got to begin his official practice sessions from April 13. At the Monte Carlo County Club, he swung his racket alongside British star and his former doubles partner Jack Draper. Not to mention his practice sessions drew a lot of fans in large numbers. Landing in Rome recently resulted in a similar outcome as well.

Even before his comeback match at the Italian Open, against Argentinian Mariano Navone, Sinner was swarmed by ardent fans amid practice sessions. While he hardly shares emotions during matches, Sinner couldn’t resist his happiness over such an overwhelming response ahead of his return.

In a newly released clip on his official YouTube channel, the World No.1 had a sweet gesture for all his admirers. Sinner began, “Guys the preparation is finally over. Just wanted to say thank you so much for the last days, the support, the love you gave me, the happiness you gave me, the joy it has been amazing. So thank you so much for that, coming also to my practice sessions it was only positive energy.”

It seems he wants to just soak in the feeling of stepping back on the court for now. And also to experience the love of his fans in stands. Match result? Well, he’s not thinking too much on that front.

He continued, “I want to do the same thing in the match results wise whatever comes out. Tomorrow is going to be my first match after some time so whatever comes out I’m happy to be back again on the match courts and to share this moment with all of you, it’s going to be amazing so thank you so much.”

But guess what? There’s another person who’s extremely happy with his return after a long time.

Carlos Alcaraz welcomes Jannik Sinner back to tennis

The rivalry of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner needs no introduction. However, despite trying to dominate their battles, they have always shared a mutual respect toward each other. Remember how last October, the Spaniard expressed his honest feelings on competing against the Italian? “I want to say I’m grateful to have him around on tour. Thanks to him I push myself to the limit. I give my 100% every day to be a better player.”

Likewise, Sinner also later admitted, “We try to push ourselves to the limit. I wake up in the morning trying to understand the ways to beat him.” It seems there’s a synergy between the two despite being arch rivals. Well, Alcaraz has reiterated his emotions for Sinner, ahead of his comeback match in Rome.

Following his first round win at the Italian Open on Friday, against Duran Lajovic, the Spaniard sat down for an interaction with the Tennis Channel. When asked to share his views on Sinner’s return, he simply said, “It (Sinner’s comeback to the tour) is great, honestly. I have seen him around, for me, it’s great to have him back. Honestly, I need him on the tour because, I mean, he pushes me to be a better player and give 100% every day, to be better.”

He further added, “Of course, I am a fan of tennis, and I think that tennis needs him to bring in new fans. His tennis is huge, it’s insane, I love watching him play. So, having the chance to see him and watch his tennis again is great, so I’m just really, really happy, but it’s a different feeling. That’s great for me, for tennis, and for the fans in Rome.”

With both of them competing together in Rome, there might be a chance for them to meet in the final. Are you wishing to witness a summit clash between these two top-class rivals? Let us know in the comments below.