Jannik Sinner shoots down relationship rumors, talks Rome return

ROME, Italy—Jannik Sinner arrived to a smattering of applause ahead of a standing room only pre-tournament press conference at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.

The world No. 1 is playing at home for his first tournament since serving a three-month anti-doping ban for two positive tests in 2024, and opened with an apparent eagerness to address a media interest that has only amplified since he was last on court at the Australian Open.

Read more: A complete timeline of Jannik Sinner's anti-doping case

“There’s a lot of attention,” said Sinner, who is competing in Rome for the first time since 2023.

“Also, off the court, I was surprised to see some pictures, which, nothing serious,” he added with a laugh, referencing paparazzi photos of him and model Laura Leito last month. “I’m not in a relationship!”

Sinner addressed more serious questions about his time away from the game, having served a ban that wouldn’t prevent him from competing at any major tournaments in 2025.

“The body still has to adjust,” said the top seed who, following a first-round bye will play his opening-round match against either Mariano Navone or Italian wild card Federico Cinà. “The blisters on the hands, they’ll come again when you’re not used to it anymore.

“But all good. I’m just very happy and very curious to see where I’m at.”

Sinner was initially found to bear No Fault or Negligence by the International Tennis Integrity Association (ITIA) for tests, both in and out of competition dating back to the 2024 BNP Paribas Open, that revealed the presence of banned substance Clostebol.

At the time, Sinner and his team successfully argued that the substance came into his system from a massage given by physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi. Naldi had used an anti-septic spray containing the banned substance last March and proceeded to treat Sinner with a bandaged but ungloved hand.

Though the ITIA, who provisionally suspended Sinner upon notice of the positive tests, initially declined to hand the now-three-time Grand Slam champion a suspension, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the decision, leading to the three-month ban that Sinner served in what was described by some as a "plea deal".

This kind of agreement, I didn’t want to do it in the beginning. It was not easy for me to accept it because I know what really happened, but sometimes we have to choose the best in a very bad moment. Jannik Sinner

“This kind of agreement, I didn’t want to do it in the beginning,” Sinner admitted on Monday. “It was not easy for me to accept it because I know what really happened, but sometimes we have to choose the best in a very bad moment.”

Sinner’s suspension not only kept him from competing at the last four Masters 1000 tournaments, he was further prevented from attending any professional sporting events.

“I don’t know how many knows this, but for example, to watch a simple match in a football stadium, I couldn’t go watch it,” said Sinner. “I wanted to support my friends in cycling or motorsport; I couldn’t go there. That, for me, was the toughest part.

“But all things considered, I tried to make the best out of it, being ready mentally for the point when I started to play tennis again. It’s all fine. I’m very glad to have spent that time with my family.”

Sinner went on to speak of the emotional toll of the last 12 months that culminated in his ban, and his low expectations as he officially begins preparations for Roland Garros, the year’s second major tournament in Paris.

I don’t know how many knows this, but for example, to watch a simple match in a football stadium, I couldn’t go watch it. I wanted to support my friends in cycling or motorsport; I couldn’t go there. That, for me, was the toughest part. Jannik Sinner of his three-month anti-doping ban

“For me, look, last year was very difficult. I had a lot of personal pressure, holding everything. I couldn’t talk with many people about what happened. I was in a tough situation at the beginning of the Australian Open. I struggled a lot, so it was nice to take a small break. Three months…but it is what it is. A small break was good. I could feel that I’m not playing for quite a long time.

“What’s missing for me is the complete feedback of where my level is. That’s going to come slowly with time of playing. After the first-round match, I’m going to have a good picture of myself and where I’m at. “

Having only just arrived at the Foro Italico about an hour prior, he had yet to meaningfully interact with his fellow players. But Holger Rune, who practiced in Monte Carlo with Sinner last month, expressed enthusiasm for his return in a pre-match interview.

“Jannik is Jannik,” Rune told Tennis Channel. “He’s an amazing player and it was good to share the court with him. He’s the best player we have in the world right now. It’s nice to be able to test your level, for him also, being away for a while, to test his level against me.

“Whatever happened is in the past now. We’re over it. I wish him the best for the future.”

Despite the time away from court, Sinner managed to retain his No. 1 ranking. He did drop to No. 4 in the Race to Turin, which will determine who competes at the Nitto ATP Finals, a title he won for the first time last year.

What’s missing for me is the complete feedback of where my level is. That’s going to come slowly with time of playing. After the first-round match, I’m going to have a good picture of myself and where I’m at. Jannik Sinner

“To be honest, I was barely looking at any match, especially at the beginning,” said Sinner. “I wasn’t following Indian Wells and Miami. Of course, I saw the results because it’s normal, but the tennis itself, I was not watching as much. I started again from Madrid, trying to study and trying to understand some of the players which are very interesting to see.

“I couldn’t control anything. The new players, new generation is coming stronger and stronger. For me, what’s most important is the race to Turin, which gives you a bigger picture of how players play in that moment. I’m happy with the position I’m in, but I would be happy to be No. 3 or No. 4 in the world, to be honest. I’m back here and happy to play again in front of the fans.

In what might serve as a warning to the field, Sinner added, “I also have a goal in front of my eyes.”