Jannik Sinner admits feeling let down from his fraternity during Doping ban suspension says, 'Players I expected didn’t text me during dope ban’

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner is making his highly-anticipated return to competitive tennis on May 5 at the Italian Open in Rome, following a three-month doping suspension. In a candid pre-tournament press conference, the Australian Open champion offered emotional insights into how the ban affected both his mental state and his relationships within the sport.

“I Didn’t Hear From Those I Expected To”: Sinner Reflects on Isolation

Sinner touched on the loneliness of his time away from the sport, specifically calling out the lack of support from certain peers.

“Tennis is an individual sport, everyone has their own team,” he said. “In Monte Carlo I met Draper and Sonego, we had a great time. At the beginning, I had surprising messages from tennis players that I would not have expected to receive. And nothing from those who instead I expected to receive something. Names? I don’t want to name them. Everything will be fine, it will pass slowly.”

Setting Low Expectations in Rome

After months without competitive action, the Italian ace is not putting pressure on himself for a deep run at the Italian Open.

“I have low expectations for this tournament. I’ve been out for so long and I have no feedback on how I’m going to play," Sinner admitted.

His main goal is to gradually build rhythm, with an eye on the French Open in Paris.

“The goal will be Paris, I’m not here to beat anyone but to try to get through the first round and then we’ll see what can happen. It’s difficult for me to start a new tournament and get back to the rhythm. But we’re very calm, we’re physically and mentally well, we’re rested, which will pay off at the end of the season too.”

Navigating the Toughest Phase

The 23-year-old also detailed how emotionally taxing the beginning of his suspension was, especially being barred from all sporting events.

“The hardest moment of the suspension was at the beginning. I couldn’t attend any sporting event. I couldn’t go to the stadium to watch a football match or follow a cycling race of my friends. But I was happy to spend time with my family.”

Honoured at Home

In a heartwarming turn, Sinner is set to be recognized for his achievements with the Italian national team. Alongside his Davis Cup teammates and the Billie Jean King Cup squad, Sinner will be honoured after Italy’s historic sweep of the two major international team competitions last year.

Following the tribute, he’ll host an open practice session at Campo Centrale, with a capacity crowd of 10,500 spectators expected. The event will also be broadcast live on Italian television—an indication of the love and support he still enjoys at home.