Jack Draper reveals insightful reasons behind choosing to train with Jannik Sinner ahead of the Italian’s return from a three-month suspension
World No.1 Jannik Sinner is set to make his highly-anticipated return to tennis at the Rome Masters in front of his adoring Italian fans.
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Jack Draper and Jannik Sinner (via Instagram/ Jannik Sinner)
After his early exit at the Monte-Carlo Masters, Jack Draper returned to Monaco to train with his friend Jannik Sinner. Sinner, the world No. 1, had been serving a three-month suspension linked to a doping case. His ban ended on April 13, allowing him to resume full training before returning to competition in May.
Draper didn’t hesitate to support Sinner, acting as his training partner. The two have a close bond — they’ve played doubles together and even spent time cooking. The left-hander claims that the World No.1 hasn’t missed a beat despite being away from the game for three months.
I was looking for training for the week and I knew Jannik was available and that he was in Monte Carlo on clay. So I organized with his team a three- or four-day trip to train with him. If you can train with someone, he’s probably the best in the world, right? He’s obviously had some time off, but he’s still playing at an incredible level. I can’t wait for him to come back on the tour because I think we’ve missed him.
Jack Draper said in an interview to The Guardian
Sinner had tested positive twice for a banned substance, clostebol, in 2024. However, he claimed that the result was due to contamination from his former physiotherapist. He was initially cleared and allowed to keep playing, though questions from WADA led to further review.
It was great to be with him for a few days and have a good training session. On the court, Jannik is always very professional. He’s not the world number one for nothing. He’s very consistent, he’s playing very well. That hasn’t changed at all. He might be a little rusty in some areas, but at the same time, he’s improving every day. The more points we played, the more he improved.
Jack Draper added
In February 2025, Sinner and WADA agreed to a settlement. He accepted a short suspension, which ends on May 4. Despite the setback, he’s preparing to return strongly, starting with the Italian Open in Rome.
Jack Draper’s Madrid Open draw revealed
The men’s draw is packed with talent. Novak Djokovic could face Jack Draper in the quarter-finals. If Carlos Alcaraz is fit, he may meet Djokovic in the semi-finals.
Alexander Zverev is the top seed on the other side of the draw. He may have a tough second-round match against Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut. Last year’s winner, Andrey Rublev, could face Gael Monfils in his first match.
On the women’s side, Emma Raducanu will begin her tournament against Suzan Lamens from the Netherlands. Lamens is ranked No. 73 in the world.
Raducanu has been training on clay in Madrid. Her first match won’t be easy, as Lamens recently made the semi-finals in Rouen before losing to Olga Danilovic. Aryna Sabalenka could be Raducanu’s quarter-final opponent if she advances.
The incredible rise of Jack Draper
Jack Draper is having a strong season. He has climbed to No. 6 in the world rankings and won his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells. It was the biggest win of his career so far.
In California, Draper defeated top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz. However, he couldn’t keep the momentum going. He lost early at the Miami Open and then exited in the round of 16 in Monte Carlo.
The clay season is now in full swing. Big events in Madrid and Rome are coming up next, leading to the French Open, which runs from May 25 to June 8. Draper will also play at Queen’s Club in June. After that, he will aim for success at Wimbledon, which takes place from June 30 to July 15.
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