President of the Italian Tennis Federation reckons Jannik Sinner could be rewarded with a private suite at the Italian Open
Jannik Sinner's three-month suspension began on February 9 and will end on May 4, just three days before the Italian Open in Rome.
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Jannik Sinner (Image via ATP/X)
Jannik Sinner will be making his return from a three-month suspension at the Italian Open. The World No.1’s suspension ends on May 4 with the ATP 1000 tournament to kickoff on May 7. He missed the tournament last year due to injury, but this time around, he could be greeted with a major honor at the Foro Italico.
Sinner twice tested positive for clostebol in March last year during the Indian Wells Masters. However, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) exonerated him of all doping offenses after accepting his defense that the contaminated substance inadvertently entered his system. But the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) then appealed his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).
The anti-doping agency was demanding that the 23-year-old be suspended for one or two years. They argued that he was responsible for the failed doping test and not his ex-physio. Nonetheless, in February they reached an agreement with Sinner’s lawyers and settled for a three-month suspension.
The ban began on February 9 and will end on May 4, which means he will be free to play at his home event, the Italian Open. Sinner’s suspension has made him more famous than before, which is likely not to give him the privilege of walking around the Foro Italico like other players. The President of the Italian Tennis Federation, Angelo Binaghi has revealed that he will be giving a special suite at the event.
The only player to be granted that honor was Djokovic, who was given the privilege at the grounds that he wanted a place to relax before matches.
Sinner can no longer live in Italy and in the two days he was here last year this was confirmed. We will dedicate something to him along the lines of what Djokovic had asked for a few years ago. As world No 1, he did not frequent the players’ lounge, in an attempt to create a place where he could prepare for the match and relax. For the same reason, we would gladly give up a part of our lounge to Jannik if he wants, because we believe he should be protected.
Angelo Binaghi said via Ubitennis
Binaghi added that this year’s Italian Open will have a new court named the Super tennis Arena that will host up to 3,000 spectators. The upgrade is part of a major plan that the Federation is making in line with the expansion of the event to two weeks.
Rafael Nadal praises Jannik Sinner for retaining his focus on the court despite distractions of his doping case
Rafael Nadal has praised Jannik Sinner for his ability to retain focus on his tennis despite the distraction of his doping case. The Italian won eight titles last season and continued in the same fashion this season by winning the Australian Open. Although his case began in March last year, he has been able to focus on the court.
Nadal, who retired last November at the Davis Cup Finals spoke to American legend Andy Roddick on a variety of topics. However, he hinted that Sinner has been amazing and a good guy despite the doping saga.
Jannik is another good guy. Not much of a show off. He’s focused on what he’s doing. Of course, he went through a very tough process the last year. It’s amazing the way he was able to keep being focused on what he’s doing. It’s a new generation of great tennis players. I think they’re going to keep helping this beautiful sport to grow and to engage fans.
Rafael Nadal said via Served with Andy Roddick
Sinner’s World No.1 position looks to be secured until his return to the court. However, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev are still hoping to find a way to surpass him before the Italian Open on May 7.
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