There are several attractive storylines to pull you into the Italian Open, which got underway this week, and several of the big names are set to begin their first set of matches over the next two days. But perhaps the biggest story Rome has to offer is the long-awaited return of Jannik Sinner.
The ATP No.1-ranked player and three-time Grand Slam winner is set to begin his Italian Open bid on Saturday against Argentina's Mariano Navone in the round of 64. Whatever your opinions are of Sinner's return and the controversy that led to his three-month absence, there is no debating that Sinner is the biggest draw on the men's side based solely on his returning to the court.
What makes his return even more anticipated is that, considering Sinner's dominance over the past two years, it's fair to question what a three-month break will do to his game. Of course, there is the possibility that there will be no adverse effects of any nature, and Sinner will simply pick up where he left off in Australia.
Jannik Sinner could be making up for lost time
Since his January triumph down under, Sinner missed opportunities to win in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, and Madrid—all Masters 1000 events. If he had not been iced for three months, Sinner could have picked up a title or two in any of those tournaments. It would be hard to imagine otherwise.
Now in Rome, Sinner is forced to make up for lost time, and with the French Open just weeks away, time to gear up is tight. What works in Sinner's favor is his admittedly low expectations in Rome, which he spoke to earlier in the week.
“I have to say I have low expectations for this tournament. I’ve been sitting out for so long, and I don’t have any feedback on how I’m going to play,” said Sinner. “The goal will be Paris. I’m not here to beat anyone but to try to get through the first round, and then we’ll see what can happen. It’s difficult for me to start a new tournament and get back to the rhythm. But we’re very calm, we’re physically and mentally well, we’re rested, which will pay off at the end of the season too.”
There are two potential outcomes for Sinner: Either he goes out early, and his low expectations come to pass, or he continues to dominate and follows up his third Grand Slam with his fifth Masters 1000 title.
However, whatever happens, you heard him, Sinner has his sights set on Roland Garros. That said, there should be no surprise if Sinner is one of the last men standing in Rome, or the last—he is that good.