Carlos Alcaraz didn’t hold back when asked about Jannik Sinner’s much-anticipated return to the ATP Tour at the 2025 Italian Open.
Speaking candidly after his second-round win in Rome, the Spaniard praised Sinner’s comeback following a three-month doping suspension, emphasizing how vital the Italian is to the sport and his growth as a competitor.
Carlos Alcaraz Leads the Head-to-Head Battle Against Jannik Sinner
Sinner’s return marks a turning point in what has been a turbulent start to the season for the 23-year-old Italian. In August 2024, an independent panel confirmed Sinner tested positive for a banned anabolic agent, Clostebol, in March that year, resulting in a suspension from February 9 to May 4 this season.
Though he was initially found to bear no fault, the substance had reportedly entered his system through a medicated spray used by his physiotherapist.
In a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Sinner accepted the ban, sidelining him from four major tournaments—Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, and Madrid. Now back on home soil at the Foro Italico, Sinner is ready to reintroduce himself to the tour, making his sixth appearance at the Rome Masters with a second-round clash set against Mariano Navone on May 10.
On the other hand, Alcaraz is currently making his second appearance at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Rome. The third seed received a bye into the second round, where he defeated Dušan Lajović in straight sets. He advanced to the third round, where he will face another Serbian player, Laslo Djere, on May 11.
Following his second-round victory, Alcaraz sat down for a candid talk with Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj, where he shared his thoughts on Jannik Sinner’s return to the tour from a doping ban. The two have faced off 10 times on the ATP Tour, with Alcaraz holding a slight edge at 6-4.
“Well, it is great, honestly. I’ve seen him around, for me it’s great to have him back. Honestly, I’m going to say I need him on the tour because he pushed me to be a better player, to give my 100% every day. Just to be better,” Carlos Alcaraz said.
“And of course, I always defend tennis and I think tennis needs him as well. To bring 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, it is great. So I’m just really, really happy, but it’s not a different feeling. Just great for me, for the tennis and for the fans here in Rome,” he added.
Jannik Sinner Offered Hilarious Take on His Comeback at the Italian Open
Ahead of his much-anticipated comeback, Jannik Sinner joked to reporters that it felt like his first day back at school. He admitted he’s keeping expectations low and is simply focused on getting comfortable on the court again.
“Yeah, it feels like the first day when you go to school again, you never know exactly what to expect. I’m very happy to be in Rome, it’s a very special place, first of all, for being an Italian to make a comeback. Everything together, I’m just happy,” Sinner said.
“Not many expectations at all. I’m just trying to get back on court, having a good feel with what’s happening on the court and with the crowd all together, so yeah, let’s see,” he added.