Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner is not expecting big things on his return to action, even though top bookies have him as favorite for the title in Rome.
Sinner favorite for Rome Masters despite three-month layoff
Jannik Sinner is favorite across tennis betting sites to win the 2025 Rome Masters, although the Italian tennis star has a “very low expectation” of himself in his first tournament back from a three-month doping suspension.
The 23-year-old has not played since the Australian Open in January, yet top bookmaker Nags.bet has him priced at +200 to win the title in his home country — just ahead of Carlos Alcaraz (+260).
Sinner, who will get his campaign underway against either Mariano Navone or Federico Cina later this week, spoke to media in Rome on Monday to share his thoughts ahead of his return.
“It’s a very, very low expectation tournament in general, talking results-wise,” he said.
“For me, what’s missing is the complete feedback of where my level is.
“That’s going to come slowly with time.
“After the first-round match, I’m going to have a better picture of myself, where I am at.
“It’s very strange feeling again in the beginning to be around so many people and attention.
“But it’s nice to be back, me and my team are very happy.”
Sinner’s suspension was the result of a failed drug test in March 2024 which found the banned substance clostebol in his blood.
While the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) cleared him of any wrongdoing, an appeal from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) led to Sinner negotiating a three-month ban.
During this time, he managed to maintain his position as world No.1 despite not playing for a full three months.
“To be honest, I was barely looking at any match, especially in the beginning,” he said.
“Of course I saw the results because it’s normal, but the tennis itself, I was not watching as much.
“I started again from Madrid, trying to study and then trying to understand some of the players which are very interesting to see.
“For me, what’s most important is the Race To Turin, which gives you a better picture of how players [are] in that moment.
“Now I’m happy in the position I am, but I would be happy even if I’m No.3 or No.4 in the world, to be honest, I’m just happy to be back here.
“I’m happy to play again in front of the fans.”
Tennis bookmakers also have Sinner as a title contender for the 2025 French Open, which starts later this month.
He sits on the second line of betting at +250, with Alcaraz favorite to defend his title at +120.
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