Jannik Sinner says 'incredible' ATP player who is his good friend has become one of the best players in the world now

Jannik Sinner is back on the ATP Tour, having served his three-month suspension in time to return at the Italian Open.

Sinner is the top seed at the 2025 Italian Open, having retained his world number one ranking despite his three-month ban.

Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz occupy second and third respectively in the ATP Tour rankings, with the duo also taking on the Italian Open.

All three players have been handed a bye in round one of the ATP Masters 1000 event, which takes place in Rome.

Jiri Lehecka was confirmed as Sinner’s first practice partner at the tournament, but his preparations started previously with another ATP player.

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Jannik Sinner says Jack Draper is one of the best players in the world

Sinner trained with Jack Draper as part of his preparations, with the Italian now sharing his thoughts on the Briton for Sky Sports.

“He is a good friend of mine, also off the court,” Sinner said of Draper. “He has an incredible game. Great mentality.

READ MORE: Casper Ruud says what he thinks of Jack Draper as a tennis player after beating him in the Madrid Open final

“We all have been following for so long already and now he is coming through some incredible matches. One of the best players in the world right now. I was happy to share the court with him [in practice].

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“Tried to understand where my level is, in the beginning things were not as perfect as I wanted to, which is normal. But after it went a little bit better, so I am happy about that. I am very happy for him.”

Jack Draper joins Jannik Sinner in ATP top five after Madrid Open

Draper has enjoyed a stunning rise in a short space of time, most recently reaching the final of the Madrid Open.

But the 23-year-old did lose out on the trophy to Casper Ruud, who won their entertaining clash 7-5, 3-6, 6-4.

READ MORE: Annabel Croft shocked by what Casper Ruud did in the final game of the Madrid Open final to beat Jack Draper

Rank Player Age Points 1 Jannik Sinner 23 9,730 2 Alexander Zverev 28 8,085 3 Carlos Alcaraz 22 7,850 4 Taylor Fritz 27 4,815 5 Jack Draper 23 4,440 ATP Tour top five

Like Sinner, the Italian Open fifth seed has a bye into round two, having just risen to fifth in the world rankings.

It represents a career-high for the British number one, with Draper now chasing a fourth career title in Rome, and a first on clay.

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