Jannik Sinner will have ‘zero rust’ on Italian Open comeback as ‘number one’ problem revealed
Jannik Sinner has been warned about the increased risk of sustaining an injury in his Italian Open comeback by tennis expert and legendary coach Rick Macci.
The world No 1 will make his long-awaited return to the ATP Tour at the Masters 1000 tournament in Rome, having not played since winning the Australian Open at the end of January.
Sinner was banned from competing between February 9 and May 4 over positive doping tests after his representatives accepted a deal with the World Anti-Doping Agency.
The Italian star tested positive for the banned substance clostebol twice in March 2024 — during and after the Indian Wells Masters.
The three-time Grand Slam champion will face either Mariano Navone or Federico Cina in his opening match at the Italian Open, where the men’s event begins on Wednesday.
Sinner has not competed in Rome since 2023, having missed last year’s edition of the event due to a hip injury.
The 23-year-old won his only clay-court title to date at the ATP 250 tournament in Umag in 2022.
Macci, who coached both Serena and Venus Williams, highlighted the physical challenge of playing on clay after a lengthy break from competitive action.
“The number one thing right now for the number one is injury,” wrote the American on X.
“The jumping, pumping, slipping and sliding on clay feels a different way.
“Because of a three-month vacation and now in live combat at a different location, the body will feel tighter for the Italian street fighter.”
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In another tweet, Macci asserted that he does not think Sinner will be rusty as he feels the Italian will have used the time to hone certain areas of his game.
“Every top player is curious about Sinner the rust and lay off. There will be zero rust because in his game he has trust,” Macci assessed.
“The lay off became a positive event as his little motor skills and the dropper (drop shot), thousands of reps were spent.”
Macci added: “The Italian Flamethrower has not lost a match in 214 days and counting. He has not lost since last year.
“Clay is his worst surface in my opinion. If he wins Rome after this agreed BAN zero doubt MENTALLY HE IS THE MAN.”
