Jannik Sinner and his team will continue working during the Italian’s suspension from professional tennis. The ATP world No. 1’s fitness coach wants to emphasize the mental aspect of the game, while reports have emerged regarding his training plans during the suspension.
Sinner’s team needs to make contingency plans until May 4th due to his three-month ban. He agreed to this suspension with the World Anti-Doping Agency to resolve his doping case that began almost a year ago.
The three-time Grand Slam champion is likely aware of the varying reactions to his case, including Novak Djokovic’s comments that many players feel others were treated worse in their doping cases.
However, Sinner will focus on staying sharp for his return, and his fitness coach Marco Panichi shared insights on how they plan to work together during the suspension from the ATP Tour.
Speaking to Sky Tennis Club, Panichi expressed a desire to support Sinner mentally and compared this extended training period to athletics programming.
“Having so much time is almost like an athletics training program. Over such a long period, we can certainly work more deeply on certain characteristics and conditions we want to improve.”
“We’re talking about small details because these ‘Formula 1 machines’ are already highly developed, but from a motivational standpoint, it’s still an important boost to know that we can dedicate so much time to specific aspects. It will be a new experience, and while I wouldn’t have wanted a situation like this, I’m grateful to have all this time available.”
Although Sinner managed the stress of the case admirably—winning the 2024 US Open and the 2025 Australian Open—he admitted that the constant anxiety impacted him significantly.
Thus, focusing on the mental side could be beneficial. The time off to train privately after gaining clarity about his suspension may ultimately aid his long-term performance upon returning to the ATP Tour.
La Repubblica also reported that Sinner may train at the Roquebrune Country Club, which is near Monte Carlo, where he resides.
This location could provide a nice, private setting for Sinner to train while adapting to his ban until May 4th. The two-time Australian Open winner likely wants to maintain a low profile during this period.
His first eligible tournament after the suspension will be on home soil at the 2025 Italian Open, where he will probably appreciate the opportunity to compete in front of passionate and supportive fans in Italy. Importantly, Sinner will not miss any Grand Slams during his ban.
