Earlier this year, Jannik Sinner—then ranked world No. 1 and fresh off an Australian Open title—accepted a three-month doping suspension. At the time, many wondered if the 23-year-old would be able to return to his peak form after such a forced break from competition.
However, Sinner has made a remarkable comeback. Since his return, he holds an impressive 9-1 match record, reached the final at the Rome Masters, and delivered a dominant performance to secure a spot in the French Open quarterfinals.
McEnroe Weighs In on Sinner’s Suspension
Speaking on TNT Sports, tennis legend John McEnroe reflected on Sinner’s recent journey:
“To me, in a way, his ban was—dare I say—a blessing in disguise. There was a lot happening, obviously. The whole suspension situation was uncertain—we were asking ourselves, ‘Is it going to happen? Is it not?’ Then he was cleared, then he wasn’t. Eventually, he accepted the three-month ban.”
Sinner had previously admitted to feeling the pressure and dealing with mental stress during the controversy surrounding his case with WADA. But since completing the suspension, the three-time Grand Slam champion appears to have returned to the court with a renewed sense of energy and focus.
“He needed a break after Australia,” McEnroe continued. “Maybe if this hadn’t happened, he would’ve played two, three, or four more tournaments. But honestly, I think things worked out pretty well for him—he returned, made it to the Rome final, and now he’s looking fantastic.”
Looking Ahead at Roland Garros
Sinner is now preparing to face the world No. 62 in a bid to reach the semifinals of the French Open. Given his recent performances, all signs suggest he’s ready to make a serious push for the title.