This week, Rome not only hosts the conclave to elect a new pope but also welcomes the much-anticipated return of top-ranked tennis star Jannik Sinner, who has recently completed a doping ban. This event marks a historic moment for Italy, as Sinner’s participation makes him the first homegrown No.1 player in the Italian Open’s history. His every move is being closely followed, akin to the attention reserved for cardinals in the Vatican.
Sinner’s ban, stemming from a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency, has now ended, allowing him to hold an open practice session expected to draw a sell-out crowd of 10,500. This practice will also be broadcast live on Italian television. In a prelude to his return, Sinner will be honoured alongside his Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup teammates, celebrating Italy’s dual championship triumph last year.
Having last competed in January after clinching his second consecutive Australian Open title, Sinner’s comeback has stirred mixed reactions. The doping settlement was reached in February, following an appeal by WADA against prior exoneration by the International Tennis Integrity Agency, which cited accidental contamination by a banned steroid. The timing of the settlement raised eyebrows, as it allowed Sinner to re-enter the tournament without missing any major grand slams.
The Italian Open is particularly significant as it serves as the final big clay-court tournament before the French Open set to commence on May 25. While many players have questioned the leniency of Sinner’s treatment, the Rome crowd may exhibit less criticism, especially in the absence of his most vocal critic, Nick Kyrgios, who has not competed at the Italian Open since a notorious incident in 2019.
Sinner, who earns a first-round bye in the tournament, is set to play his opening match on Saturday (AEST). The last Italian victor of the Italian Open was Adriano Panatta, who claimed the title back in 1976, adding further pressure on Sinner to make a mark in his home nation. As excitement mounts around both the election of a new pope and the return of Sinner, this week highlights a blend of sport and tradition in the heart of Italy.