There is no doubt that Jannik Sinner's absence from the professional tour for three months gives several players the chance to win prestigious titles.
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The world number 1 has had a consistency in the last twelve months that has left everyone speechless and that becomes even more incredible when you consider that he was stressed due to the doping case that concerned him.
From January 2024 until today, the Italian ace has lifted nine trophies and suffered only six defeats (three of them against his top rival Carlos Alcaraz). The 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria is number 1 in the ATP Race despite having played only one tournament this season, the Australian Open, where he lifted the trophy for the second year in a row.
It is true that Carlitos Alcaraz is able to reach a truly extraordinary level in his best days and the 21-year-old Spaniard will be the top favorite in all the tournaments scheduled until Sinner's return, but the 4-time Grand Slam champion has many more ups and downs than the Italian.
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This is demonstrated by the fact that the world number 3 did not respect the predictions at Indian Wells, where he was defeated by Jack Draper in the semifinals playing a very discontinuous match.
Brad Gilbert on Sinner's absence
The first Masters 1000 of the season had a surprising final between Draper and Holger Rune, which would hardly have occurred if Jannik had been present in California.
Through his official X profile, former world number 4 and legendary coach Brad Gilbert highlighted how Sinner's absence affects the ATP tour.
Biggest takeaway from IW on mens side. Way more opportunity for a final like we have today with the absence of Sin City. The way he has been playing the last 18 months, he would have been in the final today Gilbert wrote.
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The 3-time Grand Slam champion has been dominant especially on hard courts, where he has won the last three Majors played.
