Jannik Sinner might be out of action, but that hasn’t stopped him from making history in men’s tennis. The Italian star, who is currently serving a three-month suspension, has officially overtaken Andy Murray’s record in the ATP rankings despite his forced hiatus from the sport.
Sinner’s Suspension and Its Impact
The 23-year-old has been sidelined since February 9 after accepting a ban due to a positive test for a banned substance. Initially cleared by the authorities, Sinner’s case was reopened after an appeal from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), leading to his agreement to a suspension that runs until May 4. As a result, the Italian has missed key ATP Tour events, including Indian Wells and the Miami Open, and is expected to make his return at the Italian Open in Rome.
While the ban has kept him away from the courts, Sinner’s remarkable past performances have ensured his standing in the tennis world remains intact. His dominance in recent years has solidified his position at the top of the sport, and even without actively competing, he continues to break records.
Surpassing Andy Murray’s Ranking Record
Despite his enforced absence, Sinner has now spent 42 weeks ranked as the world’s No.1 player. This milestone surpasses the record set by former British No.1 Andy Murray, who held the top spot for 41 weeks during his prime.
Murray, who reached the peak of his career in 2016, was crowned world No.1 after a stunning season that included his second Wimbledon title and a second Olympic gold medal in Rio. His dominance was cemented at the ATP World Tour Finals, where he defeated Novak Djokovic to end the season as the world’s top-ranked player.
Now, Sinner has edged past Murray’s legacy, placing himself in the history books with the 14th longest reign at No.1 in the men’s rankings. It’s an impressive feat considering he hasn’t been able to add to his points tally due to his suspension.
Aiming for a Third Straight Grand Slam
Sinner’s return to the court in May will coincide with the build-up to the French Open, where he will be aiming for his third consecutive Grand Slam title. After winning both the US Open and the Australian Open, the Italian is in contention to establish himself as the dominant force in men’s tennis.
While some have questioned whether the suspension will impact his form, Sinner has maintained his training regimen in preparation for his comeback. His return at the Italian Open will be a crucial test before he heads to Roland Garros, where he hopes to extend his winning streak on the Grand Slam stage.
Conclusion
Jannik Sinner’s rise in tennis has been nothing short of remarkable, and his continued presence at the top of the ATP rankings despite his suspension is a testament to his recent dominance. Surpassing Andy Murray’s time as world No.1 is yet another milestone in his young career, and with his return to competition just around the corner, all eyes will be on the Italian to see if he can pick up where he left off and continue his quest for Grand Slam glory.
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