Daniil Medvedev has expressed his enthusiasm over Jannik Sinner’s looming return to the ATP Tour, labeling it a “fantastic” development, especially as the tennis world navigates a brief but noticeable void in his absence. With the current world No. 1 sidelined due to a three-month suspension, the circuit has experienced a shift in momentum—and Medvedev believes things are about to intensify once Sinner steps back on court.
Sinner, a three-time Grand Slam winner and a consistent force at the top of the rankings, found himself temporarily removed from action after reaching a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in February 2025. The resolution came in response to a controversy dating back to March 2024, when Sinner tested positive twice for clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid. Though initially cleared by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA)—who determined he bore “no fault or negligence”—WADA challenged the decision and prepared to escalate the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Ultimately, the matter was resolved outside the courtroom, resulting in a ban that runs through May 4, 2025.
His expected comeback is set to unfold in dramatic fashion on home turf, as Sinner eyes the Italian Open in Rome as his return stage. In the meantime, his absence has left the field wide open, with rising stars like Jack Draper and Jakub Mensik seizing their moments in the spotlight by lifting trophies at Indian Wells and the Miami Open, respectively.
As the ATP calendar rolls into Monte Carlo and Madrid—both key Masters 1000 stops—Sinner will remain out of action. Yet for players like Medvedev, who have frequently battled the Italian on the big stage, the countdown has already begun. The Russian, who has dropped eight of his last nine encounters against Sinner, knows just how tough the road ahead could get once the No. 1 returns.
“Tennis is an individual sport,” said Medvedev. “Anything can happen: injuries, suspensions and all sorts of stories.
“Tennis has a very fast pace, but we know that Sinner will be back soon, in Rome. There are still two Masters 1000 without him, let’s see how he will come back. I’m sure he will train hard.
“At the moment he is not here playing this tournament, and there are other players who win tournaments, but when he comes back, facing him will be more difficult for everyone, because Jannik always wins so many matches.
“I think his return will be fantastic for the ATP circuit.”
Sinner’s suspension has caused a reshuffling of seeds and rankings across the board. In Monte Carlo, with the Italian out and Taylor Fritz pulling out as well, world No. 2 Alexander Zverev steps in as the top seed, followed by Carlos Alcaraz at No. 3. Medvedev, currently ranked 11th, is seeded ninth for the event—an unfamiliar position for the former US Open champion who’s usually seen much higher in the draw.
The past few months have been far from smooth sailing for Medvedev. After an early exit in Miami—losing to Jaume Munar in the second round—he tumbled out of the top 10, a rare slip for someone of his stature. Now looking to bounce back, he faces a stern test in Monte Carlo. First up is a challenging opener against fellow Russian Karen Khachanov, currently ranked No. 26 in the world. Should he advance, Medvedev is projected to meet Australia’s Alex de Minaur, the eighth seed, in what could be a high-stakes third-round clash.
While the tennis landscape is temporarily reshuffled, the anticipation for Sinner’s return looms large. His presence isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about the standard he sets, the consistency he brings, and the electrifying rivalries that reignite whenever he’s across the net. And as Medvedev implied, with Sinner back in the mix, the tour’s tempo will only get quicker—and a lot more competitive.