Jannik Sinner to resume training in Monte Carlo - training with Matteo Berrettini on the cards

All set for Jannik Sinner’s return to the courts, and he may have a high-profile training partner waiting for him at the Monte-Carlo Country Club: none other than Matteo Berrettini. While the world No. 1 continues to serve a three-month suspension — as part of an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency — he is now cleared to resume training at official facilities.

The three-month ban accepted by Sinner in early February included a restriction from training at ATP-, WTA-, or ITF-affiliated venues, or with national federations like Tennis Australia or the LTA in London. However, starting this Monday — two months into the ban — the three-time Grand Slam champion returns to his usual training base in Monte-Carlo, where he resides.

Up until now, Sinner was not only barred from official venues but also forbidden from hitting with any professional ATP or WTA player, even in private. Any breach could have led to severe penalties.

Sinner's comeback is drawing near, having already missed three Masters 1000 events but still holding on to the No. 1 ranking. His final missed event will be next week’s Madrid Open, before officially making his return at the Rome Open, in front of his home fans.

In preparation for the third clay-court Masters 1000, the 23-year-old will reconnect with his coaching team — Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill — according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, which also hints at possible training sessions with former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini.

Berrettini, a former world No. 6, is known to be close to Sinner, particularly after years of representing Italy together in the Davis Cup. Sinner was instrumental in the country’s last two Davis Cup titles, while Berrettini played a key role in Italy’s 2024 campaign. "I’m happy if I was able to help Jannik somehow. We spoke a few weeks ago, and he knows that if he needs a hand, I’ll be happy to help,” Berrettini said in Monte Carlo after his win over Alexander Zverev in the second round.

The 29-year-old later suffered an injury that forced him to withdraw from the Munich Open before it began. He’s still on the entry list for the Madrid Open, where he’s the 32nd seed, and joint training sessions with Sinner after Madrid could be a win-win situation for the two leading Italian players.