LONDON — Jannik Sinner, the reigning world number one in men's tennis, is set to make his highly anticipated return to the ATP Tour after serving a doping suspension. Despite his absence, the Italian has remarkably retained his top ranking, a testament to his dominance before the ban. Now, as he prepares to face rising star Jack Draper in an exhibition match, BBC Sport examines how Sinner stayed on top and what fans can expect from his comeback.
How Sinner Held Onto the Number One Spot
Sinner's suspension, which began in late 2023, raised questions about whether he could maintain his ranking. However, a combination of factors ensured his position remained unchallenged:
- Points Buffer: Sinner had accumulated a significant lead over his rivals, including Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, before his ban.
- Inconsistent Rivals: Djokovic and Alcaraz traded losses in major tournaments, preventing either from overtaking Sinner’s points total.
- Protected Ranking Rules: The ATP’s regulations allow players returning from suspensions to retain points earned before their absence for a limited period.
Tennis analyst Mark Petchey noted, "Sinner’s early-season dominance in 2023—winning two Masters titles and reaching the Australian Open final—gave him an almost insurmountable lead. Even without playing, his consistency before the ban kept him ahead."
Preparing for the Comeback: The Draper Sparring Session
Ahead of his official return, Sinner has been sharpening his skills in private training sessions, including a high-profile exhibition match against Britain’s Jack Draper. The young left-hander, known for his powerful serve and aggressive baseline game, is seen as an ideal sparring partner to test Sinner’s readiness.
Draper, who broke into the top 30 last year, shared his thoughts on the matchup: "Facing Jannik is always a challenge. He’s got one of the cleanest ball strikes on tour, and his movement is unreal. This exhibition is a great way for both of us to gauge where we’re at."
Training Behind the Scenes
Sources close to Sinner’s camp reveal that the 22-year-old has been working tirelessly on his physical conditioning and tactical adjustments. His coach, Darren Cahill, emphasized: "Jannik hasn’t wasted a single day. He’s been refining his serve and adding new dimensions to his net game. The hunger is there."
The Road Ahead: Tournaments and Rivalries
Sinner’s return will see him compete in the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam, followed by the Sunshine Double—Indian Wells and Miami. These tournaments will be critical in determining whether he can sustain his ranking against a resurgent Djokovic and an ever-dangerous Alcaraz.
Former world number one Andy Roddick weighed in: "The big question is whether Sinner can hit the ground running. If he does, we could see an epic three-way battle for the top spot this season."
Fan and Player Reactions
The tennis world has eagerly awaited Sinner’s return. Social media has been abuzz with support, while fellow players have expressed respect for his resilience. Alcaraz recently said, "Jannik’s been missed. The tour is better when he’s competing at his best."
Conclusion: A Champion’s Mindset
Sinner’s ability to retain the number one ranking during his absence speaks volumes about his previous performances. Now, with rigorous preparation and a high-stakes exhibition against Draper, he appears ready to reclaim his place at the pinnacle of the sport. As Cahill put it, "This isn’t just a comeback—it’s a statement."