Without Jannik Sinner suspended from the professional tour for three months after his agreement with WADA many players took advantage of it to win very prestigious titles. The Indian Wells Masters 1000 was won by Jack Draper, who put in a series of truly impressive performances by finding the perfect feeling with the surface in California. In Miami in the second Masters 1000 of the season Jakub Mensik triumphed, protagonist of an almost perfect tournament embellished by the victory against a legend like Novak Djokovic in the final.
Many fans and insiders thought that Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz would take control of the tour without the world No. 1, but both fell short of expectations for several reasons. The German ace has not yet digested the defeat against Sinner in the final of the 2025 Australian Open, achieving truly horrendous results in the last two months and thwarting almost all chances of climbing to the top of the ATP rankings.
The 21-year-old Spaniard on the other hand has been conditioned by his usual ups and downs, which have prevented him from lifting other trophies in addition to the one in Rotterdam in February.
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Medvedev awaits Sinner
Among the players who have disappointed the most in this start of the season, it is impossible not to mention Daniil Medvedev.
The former world number 1 is really far from his best level and red clay has always been the surface on which he has struggled the most during his career. The Russian player will make his Monte Carlo debut against his compatriot Karen Khachanov.
Interviewed by 'Sky Sport Italy' before the start of the tournament, the 2021 US Open champion also discussed Sinner's return in a month's time: "There are two Masters 1000 still without him, but there is not much time left. Let's see what his level will be in Rome, but I'm sure he's working with maximum intensity.
When he comes back it will be tougher for everyone, because Jannik has won a lot of matches in the last year."
