Roddick Eagerly Awaits Sinner’s Rome Comeback—But Will Victory Follow?

More than half of Jannik Sinner’s three-month suspension has passed, and the tennis world is buzzing about his return. The Italian superstar was forced to sit out after testing positive for a banned substance in 2024, missing major tournaments like Indian Wells and Miami. But the long wait is almost over.

Sinner is set to make his highly anticipated comeback at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome, running from May 7-18. The Foro Italico, known for its electrifying atmosphere, will be packed with passionate fans eager to welcome home their national hero.

However, Andy Roddick, former U.S. Open champion and now a Tennis Channel analyst, warns that while the Rome crowd will erupt in support, Sinner’s road to dominance won’t be immediate.

Rome—The Perfect Stage for Sinner’s Return

According to Roddick, Rome is the ideal battleground for Sinner’s comeback.

“His home crowd in Rome is going to go nuts,” Roddick said. “With the amount of support and fame he has in Italy, I’m not sure there could have been a better place for him to come back. He’s played well in Turin and won the ATP Finals, but he didn’t play Rome last year. They haven’t seen Jannik since he became the best player in the world.”

Despite the emotional boost from a homecoming, Roddick believes fans should manage their expectations.

“He’s coming back on a surface that’s probably not his favorite,” Roddick continued. “That doesn’t mean he’s not great on it, but he’s judged against his own shadow. If there’s anything concrete under his feet, he’s dominant. But I don’t think you can be out for three months and expect to return as if nothing changed.”

Sinner’s biggest challenge will be shaking off rust while preparing for the French Open. Roddick compares it to riding a bike but warns that top-tier tennis requires more than just muscle memory.

Zverev Squanders a Golden Opportunity

While Sinner was sidelined, Alexander Zverev had a golden chance to close the gap in the ATP rankings. But instead of dominating, he fumbled the opportunity.

Since Sinner’s suspension, Zverev has entered five tournaments but won only six matches. His results have been disappointing:

• Buenos Aires: Quarterfinal exit

• Rio de Janeiro: Quarterfinal exit

• Acapulco: Second-round exit

• Indian Wells: Second-round exit

• Miami: Fourth-round exit

These lackluster performances have done little to threaten Sinner’s hold on the No. 1 spot. Even with Sinner losing 1,000 points from Miami, 400 from Monte-Carlo, and 200 from Rome, Zverev has failed to capitalize.

Looking ahead, Zverev must defend 1,000 points in Rome and a massive 1,300 at Roland Garros. If he doesn’t win the French Open, his hopes of dethroning Sinner as the world’s No. 1 could be over.

“I don’t envy his position because it’s now win a Slam or bust,” Roddick observed. “It’s almost as if people aren’t concerned about all his Grand Slam semifinals. He made the Australian Open final, and people are still only talking about the fact that he hasn’t won a major.”

Zverev’s mental pressure continues to mount. His Grand Slam drought is becoming a bigger talking point than his achievements.

“For me, that’s tough,” Roddick admitted. “I relate to it. But I don’t know that he’s too concerned about Sinner. He’s probably just focused on surviving his next opponent.”

In Miami, Zverev survived two rounds before crashing out against Arthur Fils. If he doesn’t step up soon, his window of opportunity could close for good.

Mirra Andreeva’s Meteoric Rise—Is She the Next Big Thing?

While Zverev has struggled, Mirra Andreeva has taken the tennis world by storm. At just 17 years old, the Russian sensation has already won back-to-back Premier 1000 titles in Dubai and Indian Wells. Her record this season? A staggering 20-4.

She now sits at No. 6 in the WTA rankings and ranks third in the 2025 race—a meteoric rise that few predicted.

“What impresses me most about Mirra Andreeva is her physicality against the world’s best players,” Roddick praised. “I thought that part of her game would take more time to develop. But she’s already holding her own against dominant players like Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.”

Andreeva’s success has sparked comparisons to tennis legends. But Roddick remains cautious about overhyping young stars.

“I said on our show a month ago that I think she looks like a future world No. 1,” Roddick continued. “I don’t like jumping straight from winning in Dubai to Steffi Graf comparisons—that seems like we’re skipping a few steps. But she’s playing like someone who’s going to be a top contender very soon.”

What makes Andreeva even more dangerous is her versatility on all surfaces. Her deep run at Roland Garros last year showed that she can thrive on clay, and she’s already proving her dominance on hard courts.

“Everything points to her being a legitimate Grand Slam threat sooner rather than later,” Roddick concluded.

The Final Word—What to Expect in Rome and Beyond

As the clay-court season heats up, all eyes will be on Jannik Sinner’s return. While the Roman crowd will provide an emotional boost, the battle for No. 1 is far from settled.

• Can Sinner shake off the rust and reassert his dominance?

• Will Zverev finally step up and capitalize on his chances?

• Is Mirra Andreeva truly the next big thing in women’s tennis?

The answers will unfold in the coming months, but one thing is clear—tennis fans are in for an electrifying ride.

Can Sinner Handle the Pressure of His Return?

While Sinner’s comeback in Rome is highly anticipated, the mental and physical demands of returning after a suspension cannot be underestimated. The pressure of playing in front of his home crowd, combined with the expectations of regaining his No. 1 form, could be overwhelming.

Even though Sinner is a proven champion, adapting to the pace of top-level competition after a three-month absence will be a true test. Will he rise to the occasion, or will rust and nerves slow him down? Rome will provide the first answers, but the real battle begins at Roland Garros.