Jannik Sinner ‘should be protected’ and could be rewarded with major perk at Italian Open
Jannik Sinner will make his comeback from his suspension at the Italian Open and he could be greeted with a major honour at Foro Italico.
The three-time Grand Slam is currently serving a three-month ban after he twice tested positive for the banned substance clostebol in March last year.
The World Anti-Doping Agency [WADA] initially demanded that the 23-year-old be suspended for between 12 months and two years as they felt he should be held responsible for the failed dope tests, but they then reached a settlement with the Italian’s lawyers and he will now only miss a few months of action.
The reigning Australian Open champion’s ban started on 9 February and will, in the eyes of some, conveniently end on 4 May, meaning he will be free to play at his home event, the Italian Open.
Sinner has yet to play at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in his home country since he became world No 1 in June last year as he missed the 2024 edition due to a hip injury.
But he could expect a big honour when he steps foot on Foro Italico in a couple of months as Angelo Binaghi, president of the Italian Tennis Federation, says he could get his own private suite at the event.
Tennis great Djokovic was the last player who was granted the privilege at the grounds as he wanted a place to “relax” before matches.
With Sinner’s rise in popularity making it difficult for him to move around freely, he could be next in line to get a private suite.
“Sinner can no longer live in Italy and in the two days he was here last year this was confirmed,” Binaghi is quoted as saying by Ubitennis.
“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.”
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Binaghi also confirmed that this year’s Italian Open – which has been expanded to a two-week tournament – will have a new court named the Supertennis Arena that can host up to 3,000 spectators.
The upgrade is part of major plans from the Italian Tennis Federation to make the most of the country’s current stronghold in tennis as there are currently 10 Italians in the top 100 of the ATP Rankings.
On the women’s side, Jasmine Paolini finished runner-up at the French Open and Wimbledon last year and reached a career-high of No 4.
