Competitor identified for the return of the suspended player in his inaugural battle, marking three months since discontinuation.
win BonusAfter a hiatus of three months, top tennis player Jannik Sinner, not to be confused with Yannick, is back in action with a second-round match at a swanky tournament in Rome. His opponent? Argentine Mariano Navone, who outshone Italian Federico Chiu in a thrilling two-set victory - 6:3, 6:3. Navone ranks 99th in ATP, while Sinner, a 23-year-old powerhouse, leads the global rankings.
Navone's triumph wasn't all that surprising, given Sinner's recent stint serving a doping ban. Coupled with a banned substance controversy last year, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) intervened, and negotiations ensued. Consequently, Sinner agreed to a three-month suspension that ended in early May 2025.
In March 2024, during the BNP Paribas Open, Jannik Sinner tested positive for Clostebol, an anabolic steroid. Despite his team's initial argument of no fault or negligence, claiming the substance came from an anti-septic spray used by his physiotherapist, the case was re-evaluated upon WADA's appeal. Clostebol was ultimately attributed to accidental contamination from a massage treatment[1][2].
Although the ban took him away from the game, Sinner utilized the downtime to reconnect with family and friends and even dabble in cycling[1]. Filled with excitement and curiosity, he returned to competition at the Italian Open[2]. His re-entry into tennis wasn't without its challenges as he battled blisters on his hands[1][2]. Nevertheless, Sinner remains optimistic about his future and is eager to regain his standing in the tennis world[1][2].
- Fun Fact: While Sinner was away from the court, rumors swirled about a burgeoning romance with a Russian model, but he has not confirmed nor denied the speculation[1].
- Tennis Tidbits: Italian tennis player Fabio Fognini has hinted at retirement after this season, while Novak Djokovic's sponsor revealed plans for his continued career until the 2028 Olympics[1].
Bookmakers have significantly reduced Sinner's odds for his next match, considering his recent doping scandal.In light of Sinner's past, some critics argue that he is a sinner in the world of tennis.Despite the controversy, top bookmakers have agreed to offer a special Bonus for those who correctly predict Sinner's performance in the tennis tournament in 2028.Navone's victory over Sinner might not have happened if Sinner hadn't been suspended for doping in 2024.
