Sinner, International of Rome: “I Am Rested and Happy”
Rome, April 4, 2025 – Jannik Sinner, the Italian tennis sensation and world No. 1, has shared an upbeat update ahead of his eagerly awaited return to the court at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome next month. Speaking to Sky Italy in an interview set to air Saturday, April 5, the 23-year-old declared, “I feel very good, I’m well rested, so I’m happy,” signaling a strong physical and mental resurgence after a tumultuous start to 2025 that saw him sidelined by a doping suspension.
A Comeback on Home Soil
Sinner’s return follows a three-month ban, agreed upon with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in February, stemming from a positive test for the banned substance Clostebol last year—a case that ignited fierce debate in the tennis world. The suspension, retroactively set from February 9 to May 4, forced him to miss defending titles in Miami and Monte Carlo, as well as Indian Wells and Madrid. Yet, the timing aligns perfectly for a comeback at Rome’s Foro Italico, where he’ll step back into competition on May 7, just three days after his ban lifts.
“I did a lot of different things [during the break],” Sinner told Sky Italy, hinting at a varied hiatus that included a playful nod to his wardrobe: “Eh, I changed a lot of outfits today…” The lighthearted quip, paired with a preview clip posted on X, underscores his buoyant mood. “Mi sento meglio fisicamente e mentalmente,” he added elsewhere, per TuttoSport—translated as “I feel better physically and mentally”—a sentiment that’s electrified Italian fans counting down to his homecoming.
A Controversial Hiatus
The Clostebol saga, which erupted after Sinner was initially cleared by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) only for WADA to appeal, has left a bitter taste. Critics like Yevgeny Kafelnikov called it a “mockery,” while Stan Wawrinka tweeted, “I no longer believe in a clean sport.” Sinner, accepting responsibility for his team’s oversight, told CLAY in February: “WADA’s strict rules are an important protection for the sport I love… I’ve accepted the offer to resolve this with a 3-month suspension.” The deal, brokered unusually with WADA rather than via the Court of Arbitration for Sport, let him keep his Australian Open title and No. 1 ranking—though he’ll lose points from unplayed events.
Posts on X reflect the anticipation: “Sinner’s back in Rome—rested, happy, and ready to dominate,” one fan wrote, while another mused, “Perfect timing for a Roman redemption arc.” His last competitive outing was a January loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final, a match that cemented their rivalry but preceded his enforced break.
Rome and Beyond
Rome holds special weight for Sinner, who withdrew from last year’s event with a hip injury but now returns as a national icon. “The hip feels good… I’m not concerned anymore,” he’d said at Roland Garros 2024, per RolandGarros.com, and recent tests back his recovery claims. After Rome, he’s targeting a deep run at Roland Garros—where he’s yet to pass the fourth round—and the Paris Olympics, a gold-medal prospect he’s hinted at prioritizing.
For now, Sinner’s focus is clear: “I am rested and happy,” he reiterated, per the Sky preview. As Trump’s tariffs roil global markets and Federerica Brignone recovers from her own setback, Sinner’s return offers Italy a sporting lifeline. With the clay of Rome awaiting, the “International of Rome” is poised to reclaim his throne—smiling all the way.
