After a lengthy absence of over 100 days due to a doping suspension, Jannik Sinner, the world No.1, marked his return to tennis with a victorious match against Argentine Mariano Navone, ranked 99th. In front of a jubilant home crowd at the Italian Open, Sinner secured a 6-3, 6-4 win, showcasing that he still knows how to compete at high levels. This match was his first since clinching his third Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January, and he noted it took just three games to regain his competitive edge.
Expressing his joy upon returning, Sinner commented, “Amazing feeling. I have waited quite long for this moment. I am very happy to be back.” The match reflected his readiness, with Sinner demonstrating impressive skill and power, particularly when he broke Navone’s serve early in the first set, energising the crowd who cheered him on with chants of “Ole, ole, ole, Sin-ner, Sin-ner.”
Despite his success, Sinner admitted to having doubts about his performance following the ban, stating, “It’s normal to have doubts… it means that you really care, that you want to improve.” This vulnerability resonates with many athletes who face immense pressure. The support from the crowd was overwhelming, with many dressed in orange, Sinner’s signature colour, and signs welcoming him back.
Continuing his remarkable streak, Sinner extended his winning record to 22 matches, dating back to October. He acknowledged his performance wasn’t perfect, saying, “Could be better, yes, but in any case, it doesn’t matter about the result today. It has been a remarkable day for me.”
Sinner’s ban was part of a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency due to an incident in March 2024 involving an accidental contamination with a banned substance. While he returned just in time for his home tournament, some within the sport believe his punishment was too lenient. Nevertheless, Sinner remains a beloved figure in Italy.
His next challenge at the Italian Open will be against Dutch qualifier Jesper De Jong, who recently defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. As Sinner aims to rediscover his best form post-suspension, he also hopes to extend his stay in the tournament, looking to reach the finals in a setting where Italian men have not triumphed since 1976.
On the women’s side, Polish player Iga Swiatek, a three-time champion, faced a surprising defeat to Danielle Collins, casting uncertainty on her form as she prepares for the upcoming Roland-Garros, where she has enjoyed notable success.