Carlos Alcaraz has welcomed the return of his rival Jannik Sinner to the Tour following a three-month suspension for an anti-doping violation.
Sinner is set to play his first professional match since January at the Italian Masters on Saturday after serving a brief ban related to two failed drug tests in 2024. The world No.1 tested positive for the banned steroid clostebol, which he said was caused by his former physio, Giacomo Naldi, who used a spray on his hand that contained the substance. Naldi then transferred the substance unintentionally when conducting treatment without gloves. The explanation was accepted by an independent hearing conducted as part of the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s (ITIA) investigation.
However, the World Anti-Doping Agency then appealed the verdict with the view that Sinner has an element of responsibility as he should ensure that those he employs are following the correct protocol. After initially appealing for a ban of up to two years, the WADA reached a case settlement with Sinner’s legal team for a three-month ban. Both the ITIA and WADA have previously said they found no evidence of intentional cheating.
The case has divided the sport, with critics claiming that Sinner received preferential treatment due to his status and ability to hire the best legal team. Raising questions about what kind of reception he will receive when he returns.
Weighing in on the issue, world No.2 Alcaraz says the Italian’s return is a positive for the Tour and hopes to resume their rivalry. He currently leads their head-to-head 6-4.
“It is great. I’m really happy to have him around again,” Alcaraz told reporters in Rome.
“It’s been three months. Obviously, for him, it was tough. I’m pretty sure it was super long.
“I think there isn’t a better place to come back to than here in Rome.
“It is great for me, for tennis, for the fans to have him around again, that he’s able to play a tournament again.”
“Hopefully I’m going to meet him in the final. I’m really happy to see him and his team around. I’m going to enjoy watching him play again.”
Alcaraz returns to action this week after missing the biggest event in his home country, the Madrid Masters, due to injury. He has already reached the final of two clay events this year, winning Monte Carlo and finishing runner-up in Barcelona.
As for his current form on the Tour, the 22-year-old is confident that he is back to top form ahead of his title defence in Roland Garros, which will begin later this month.
“Right now I have confidence. The practices have been well. I’m excited to start the tournament,” he said of playing in Rome.
“The first round in every tournament is never easy, you have to get used to the conditions, the tournament, the court, everything. But I’m just excited. I can’t wait for tomorrow.
“I think my level is in a good spot.”
Away from the court, Alcaraz has gained a surge of interest through his three-part documentary series on Netflix. ‘Carlos Alcaraz: My Way’ documented his journey through the 2024 season. The miniseries gave an insight into how the tennis star is trying to balance being a professional athlete, along with wanting to do things people his age do.
“I was honestly nervous because I didn’t know how it’s going to be for the people when they watch it,” Alcaraz commented.
“So far, the reaction has been super positive, which for me was great. Some players told me that they loved it. It was really honest, as well.
“I am just super happy that there was a great impact for the people, for the fans. Just try to show my person, how I am, and how I was struggling, my thoughts in my head.”
At the Italian Open, Alcaraz will play his opening match against Dusan Lajovic on Friday.
