**Jannik Sinner Returns to Tennis Amid Personal and Professional Turmoil**
Italian tennis sensation Jannik Sinner is making headlines for more than just his long-awaited return to the court this week. The 23-year-old world number one is set to make his comeback at the Italian Open in Rome on Saturday night, following a three-month suspension for a doping violation that he consistently maintained was inadvertent. While Sinner is eager to put his professional woes behind him, the spotlight has now also turned to his romantic life, which has seen some significant developments during his enforced hiatus.
Reports from Italian media have revealed that Sinner has been seen in the company of Russian model Lara Leito, adding a new chapter to the tennis star’s private affairs. Leito, 31, is no stranger to celebrity circles, having previously dated Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody for six years and later linked to French actor Olivier Martinez. The two were spotted at the exclusive Monte Carlo Country Club, with photographers capturing moments of affection as Leito watched Sinner train from the sidelines. The pair were seen embracing and sharing a kiss after his practice session—a signal, perhaps, of a new relationship blossoming.
This comes on the heels of his much-publicised breakup with fellow tennis professional Anna Kalinskaya in November, after just seven months together. Kalinskaya and Sinner had been a high-profile couple in the tennis world, but Sinner has since made it clear that he is currently single despite the swirling rumours. Addressing the speculation, Sinner stated earlier this week, “I am not in a relationship anymore,” though he stopped short of commenting directly on his connection with Leito.
Turning back to sport, Sinner’s return to action comes after a suspension that saw him benched for three months following a positive test for a banned steroid. The player, who captured the Australian Open title in January, reluctantly accepted the ban in February when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed a previous decision to clear him. It was ultimately ruled that the substance entered his system inadvertently via a product used by his physiotherapist during a massage. Despite his absence, Sinner has maintained a notable lead in the ATP rankings, sitting nearly 2,000 points ahead of his nearest rival and riding a 21-match winning streak.
However, the Italian ace remains cautiously optimistic about his prospects at his home tournament. Speaking at his pre-tournament press conference, Sinner tempered expectations for his performance at the Italian Open. “It’s a very, very low expectation tournament, talking results-wise,” he admitted. Sinner is awaiting confirmation of whether he will face Argentina’s Mariano Navone or local wild card Federico Cina in his opening match. He remains focused on rediscovering his form, acknowledging, “What’s missing is the complete feedback of where my level is. That’s going to come slowly with time.”
Sinner further reflected on the challenges of returning after such a prolonged period off the circuit. “It’s been very long months, but I was glad to share some moments with my family and friends. We were practising hard, especially in the gym at the start, getting back to the court gradually. I can feel I haven’t played in some time—the body needs to adjust, the blisters on my hands remind me I’m not used to it,” he shared candidly.
The tennis star’s acceptance of his suspension was, by his own admission, a tough pill to swallow. “I didn’t want to accept it at first, as I know exactly what happened. But sometimes you have to make the best choice in a bad situation, and that’s what we did,” Sinner explained, referencing the prospect of further legal battles with WADA.
While Sinner is hoping for a smooth transition back into competition, he’s also navigating the intense scrutiny now accompanying both his athletic performance and personal life. Whether he can quickly regain the dominant form that made him a Grand Slam champion or adapt to new off-court responsibilities remains to be seen.
All eyes will be on Rome this weekend as Jannik Sinner attempts not just a sporting comeback, but also to chart a steady course through an eventful chapter of his young career.