Patrick Mouratoglou urges ATP players to seize the chance during Jannik Sinner’s absence from tour
Jannik Sinner is suspended for three months by the WADA after they reached a settlement agreement with the World No.1.
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Patrick Mouratoglou, Jannik Sinner (Image via X, Sky Sports)
World No.1 Jannik Sinner is facing a three-month suspension from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Serena Williams‘ former coach Patrick Mouratoglou advised the ATP players to make the most of this opportunity to improve their results on the tour.
The Indian Wells is currently underway but Sinner cannot take part in it as his suspension started just before the Qatar Open. Sinner was the most successful ATP player last year, winning eight titles on the tour, including the Australian Open, the US Open, and the ATP Finals.
He ended his season by clinching the Davis Cup with Italy and carried his form to this season. Sinner kick-started his campaign for the 2025 year at the Australian Open and defended the title with a straight-set win over Alexander Zverev in the final.
He then withdrew from the Rotterdam Open to prioritize rest, following which, he arrived in Doha for the ATP 500 tournament. As he couldn’t play in the Qatar Open and is inactive at present, Mouratoglou, who now coaches four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, urged the Italian’s rivals to use this chance to win more and more matches.
The fact that Sinner is not playing for a few months gives a lot of opportunities to players not only to win big tournaments but also to gain confidence by winning a lot of matches. Is it also a pressure at the same time? Yes of course.
Patrick Mouratoglou said on Instagram
Carlos Alcaraz makes feelings clear on reclaiming No.1 spot from Jannik Sinner
While Jannik Sinner is currently on the sidelines, Carlos Alcaraz has been making huge strides to dethrone the 23-year-old from the No.1 rankings. Alcaraz is participating at the Indian Wells Open and has reached the quarterfinals.
So far in the tournament, the World No.3 didn’t face much hindrance from the opponents though sometimes he did struggle to overcome the windy conditions. On Wednesday (March 12), the Spaniard registered a comprehensive 6-1, 6-1 victory over Grigor Dimitrov. Following the win, the 21-year-old was once again asked about the No.1 rankings goal.
Well, I’m not thinking really much about recovering the No.1 in two or three months. I mean, that could make me feel extra pressure with that. I’m just focused on every day and every tournament, because if I’m doing the right things, if I’m just focused on every day and the things I have to improve, the result is gonna be there and then the No. 1 is going to come after.
Carlos Alcaraz said at the press conference
The second seed will next face 25th seed Francisco Cerundolo against whom, he is 1-0. The four-time Grand Slam champion is chasing his third consecutive title in the California desert.
And if he achieves the feat, he will become the third player to win three back-to-back titles in the ATP Masters 1000 tournament after Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Another title will also make the Murcia-born the first player born in 1991 or later to win an ATP tournament three times on the trot.
Jannik Sinner’s three-month ban will lift on May 4
Jannik Sinner will be able to make his comeback only after May 4. This means he could decide to sign up for the Italian Open which starts on May 7. Before WADA reached the case resolution with the three-time Grand Slam champion, there was uncertainty over his participation at the French Open.
Sinner will not be dealing with any hindrance for the rest of the Grand Slam tournaments due to the doping scandal. The French Open is scheduled to start on May 25. Sinner is a semifinalist in the clay-court Major, having reached the last four in 2024.
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