Brit Jack Draper makes no excuses for training with Jannik Sinner as the world No. 1 makes his comeback after a ban for inadvertent doping by the prohibited substance clostebol.

Under terms of his three month ban – the result of a successful appeal of the original verdict –  Sinner is now allowed back on the practice court with an eye on his Tour return in Rome in early May.

Draper, who last competed nearly a fortnight ago in Monte Carlo, has been working with Sinner on the clay of the principality since Sinner got his go-ahead on April 13.“When people ask about Jannik I tell the truth – I think he is a really genuine, nice person and on top of that he is an unbelievable player,” Draper told British media of his sessions with his good ATP friend..

“In this situation I am sure he would have had absolutely zero idea of anything. That’s the way life goes – sometimes there are mistakes.”

Draper will be heading to the Madrid Masters starting on Wednesday, leaving Sinner and his team to continue comeback work.

The Briton appears to be ready to defend Sinner for as long as needed from “haters.”

“It is important for people to know and recognise the guy is kind-hearted and a good human being. He doesn’t deserve any of the hate he gets.”

He added that it’s also a bonus to be hitting with the best current player in the world.

“If you’re going to train with anyone it has got to be the best in the world, right? 

“He’s obviously had a bit of time off but he’s playing at an incredible level still. It was great to be around him for a few days and get some good sparring.”

Jelena Ostapenko rediscovered her clay-court touch after eight years on Monday and reaped the rewards with a 6-4, 6-1 defeat of Aryna Sabalenka to win the WTA Stuttgart title.

The final, which was delayed by a day due to no play on Good Friday, lasted for just 86 minutes as the Latvian who last won a clay title at Roland Garros in 2017 took command of the contest.

Ostapenko put the world No. 1 under heavy pressure breaking on six of her 11 chances against the Sabalenka serve.

The top seed has finished runner-up for a fourth time at the indoor event, missing out on a 20th career WTA singles title and third of the year; she lost to the 24th-ranked Ostapenko for the first time after three victories in the series.

As per tradition, the winner also leaves with a pricey new Porsche for the garage at home.

“I think you hate me now because you wanted this car so badly. I’m sure you’ll get it another time,” Osatpenko told her opponent at the trophy ceremony.

“It’s great to share the court with you. You’re such a champion.”

Sabalenka repaid the jibe with interest, saying she would likely just buy one for herself.

“I want to congratulate Jelena and her team. Enjoy driving this beautiful car. 

“I’m glad I can afford this car, after this final I’m gonna order one because this is the only way for me.”

Ostapenko improved to 12-9 this season and 4-0 against top 10 players – three of those wins came this week over Emma Navarro and Iga Swiatek along with Sabalenka. 

The Latvian unleashed her unpredictable game form 4-4 in the opening set, winning eight of the last nine games of the match. 

Sabalenka was crushed in the second set, winning a mere 10 points but remains atop the rankings, with the controversially expanded Madrid Masters start on Wednesday leaving players little time to pause..

Holger Rune battled past injured Carlos Alcaraz to spoil the Spanish Easter party at the Barcelona Open, with the Dane lifting the trophy 7-6 (6), 6-2. 

The pair of 21-year-olds were familiar foes, having played 20 times in juniors before hitting the Tour;  Rune won the first 500 series title of his career and his fifth overall.

Alcaraz was treated three times in the second set after an apparent injury to his upper right thigh/groin after duelling hard in the opening set at the Real Club.

The loss will send Alcaraz back to third in the rankings, with Alexander Zverev moving back to second behind Jannik Sinner as a result of winning the Munich title on Sunday.

Rune, a first-round victim last week in Monte Carlo, reversed his clay momentum in Spain, handing Alcaraz a first loss of a set for the week.

The Spanish top seed’s two final shots both clipped the top of the net and fell back as Rune raised his hands in celebration after 97 minutes on court in the Catalan capital.

“This means the world,” the winner said. “I started the match stressed, he was playing big-time tennis.

“I was able to find my rhythm after he broke me (3-2 in the opening set) and I got more into the match.

“The first set was a big battle with a lot of important points. It was super-important to win the set and gain momentum.

“I’m so proud of myself.”

Rune ended with 18 winners while the ailing Alcaraz produced 33 unforced errors. The Dane claimed his 50th match win on clay and levelled his Tour record in the series to 2-2.

Rune said he channeled Novak Djokovic’s Paris Olympic gold medal win from  last summer over Alcaraz as he struggled to turn his game around in Barcelona.

“I asked myself what Novak did to win that final. I (realised) that I didn’t need to hit every ball on the line. I need to make him play and hit a lot of balls.”

Rune, who won the elite Paris Bercy Masters 1000 title in 2022, finally began reversing a 13-match loss streak against top five opponents.with his title victory.

Alcaraz may be racing for fitness with the Madrid Masters starting on Wednesday as the ATP ploughs ahead with an unpopular two-week format for Masters tournaments despite growing protest from exhausted players.

Main photo:- Holger Rune celebrates Barcelona win – by ATPTour.com