Sinner keeps hopes in check as comeback day arrives

Jannik Sinner will be keeping his comeback hopes in firm check as the world No. 1 made his return to the tennis world on Monday as his three-month ban for inadvertent doping  expired.

The Italian will make his first appearance when his home Rome Masters starts on Wednesday, with the top seed receiving a first-round bye.

Sinner, who was banned from attending any form of sporting event as he served out his punishment, was welcomed at a packed media conference at the Foro Italico tournament venue.

He said he has “low expectations” for his return to action. Despite beginning in his home country, the 23-year-old will be pointing toward Roland Garros starting on May 22 as he attempts to lift his third straight Grand Slam trophy. “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,” Sinner said.

“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.”

The player said that the total isolation from any variety of sport was the toughest for him to endure.

“The hardest moment of the suspension was at the beginning, I couldn’t attend any sporting event in real life.”

Sinner added: “I couldn’t go to the stadium to watch a football match or follow a cycling race of my friends.

“Or in motorsport. That for me was the toughest part.

“But all things considered, I tried to make the best of it. I was very glad also to spend time with my family.”

Main photo:- Jannik Sinner won two Grand Slam Titles and US$18 million since his failed drugs test – by ISF Ltd