Former ATP star predicts Jannik Sinner’s “chances” of winning the French Open as he returns to tour next month

Jannik Sinner is set to make his return to the ATP Tour at the Italian Open, over two weeks before the prestigious French Open.

Former ATP star predicts Jannik Sinner’s “chances” of winning the French Open as he returns to tour next month

Jannik Sinner (via X)

Jannik Sinner is gearing up for his return to the ATP Tour next month when his three-month suspension ends. The World No.1 has been away from the court since February 9 and will be back on May 4, over two weeks before the French Open starts. Former ATP star Steve Johnson believes the 23-year-old has a chance of winning the clay Grand Slam.

Sinner reached an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to serve a three-month suspension for doping. The Italian had twice tested positive for clostebol in March last year but the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) exonerated him of all charges after he argued that the substance inadvertently entered his system.

Sinner is now expected to mark his return to the court on May 4 and will feature at the Italian Open, which starts three days later. He has not competed since winning the Australian Open in January and has held on to the World No.1 spot after his rivals failed to maximize their opportunity during his absence.

He has been practising on clay during his time away from the sport as he bids for his fourth Grand Slam title at the Roland Garros. During a conversation, Steve Johnson expanded on the reason why he believes Sinner has a good chance of winning the title.

I like Sinner’s chances to win the French after getting a tournament in Rome under his belt. I think he will win the French and accumulate the most points [over the clay season]. He hasn’t missed any time, he has missed tournaments, but he could still be practicing every day, and it is not like he is just going to pick up a racket for the first time before Rome and walk out there. This is basically a three-month off-season for him. I bet he will come back and not miss a beat in the first couple of events. t

Steve Johnson said via Nothing Major podcas

Last year, Sinner exited in the semi-finals of the French Open after losing to Carlos Alcaraz in an epic five-set thriller. The World No.1 didn’t win a clay title last season and it was the only surface he failed to register a tournament victory.

Sam Querrey picks Casper Ruud as his preferred favorite for the French Open

During the aforementioned conversation, former American tennis player Sam Querrey revealed who he would back to win the French Open. The 37-year-old chose Casper Ruud as his favorite player to win the Grand Slam title.

Casper Ruud
Casper Ruud (Image via X/Jose Morgado)

It is no surprise that Querrey chose Ruud, who had reached two finals at Roland Garros, in 2022 and 2023 but lost to the two best players, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, respectively. The World No 7 has also won 11 of his 12 career titles on the surface and always plays his best on clay.

However, Casper Ruud has not been at his best this season. The Norwegian star has not won a title this season; neither has a reached a final. In fact, his best run this season was at the Dallas Open, where he got to the Round of 16.

Three top favorites for the French Open

Ahead of the French Open, three top players have been chosen as preferred favorites. First is Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard won the title last season despite only participating in one clay tournament before the event. He has also enjoyed an impressive record on the surface, winning seven career titles. He will be eager to defend the title when the tournament starts on May 25.

Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner
Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner (Images via X/ATP)

Alexander Zverev is the second player. The German star has won eight titles on clay and has a good record on the surface. In fact, he reached the final of the French Open last year before losing to Alcaraz. Also, his most recent clay success was at the Italian Open, where he defeated Nicolas Jarry in the final.

Jannik Sinner is a strong favorite of winning the title. The Italian might be a way from the court currently but also has the tenacity to come out on top in difficult moments. He has been training on clay ahead of his comeback at the Italian Open, and will use the tournament as a preparation for the French Open.