Jannik Sinner made a triumphant return to professional tennis with a commanding 6-3, 6-4 victory over Argentina’s Mariano Navone at the Italian Open, marking his comeback after a three-month doping suspension. His performance delighted the crowd at the Foro Italico, with thousands gathering to cheer on Italy’s first-ever world No 1 player. The win propelled Sinner into the third round, providing a positive start to his long-awaited return.
The atmosphere outside the stadium was electric, with fans expressing their excitement through vibrant displays, including T-shirts emblazoned with AI-generated religious imagery and chants of his name. For many, this moment symbolized more than just a sporting achievement it was a powerful statement of support for Sinner, whose recent doping case had garnered much attention. “That means much more than any result, to be honest,” Sinner said, visibly moved by the support of his fans.
The 23-year-old had not competed since entering a case resolution agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in February. In April 2024, Sinner had tested positive for the banned substance clostebol, but an independent ruling stated that he bore no fault or negligence, and no suspension was initially imposed. WADA’s subsequent appeal sought a one-to-two-year ban, but an agreement was eventually reached that allowed for his return to competition.
Ahead of the match, Sinner’s homecoming was met with widespread anticipation. Fans flocked to the tournament grounds, with many arriving hours early to catch a glimpse of their hero. The excitement only grew as he emerged onto the court to raucous cheers, with the announcer introducing him as “il maestro,” setting the tone for a night of celebration. His return was accompanied by cheers for every point won, with the crowd maintaining an infectious energy throughout the match.
While Sinner showed some signs of rust, especially with his forehand, his trademark ball-striking was evident from the start. His backhand remained as powerful as ever, and his movement was fluid, allowing him to dominate Navone, a formidable clay-court player. After surviving two break points in a nervy service game at 1-1, Sinner quickly regained control, taking the first set with ease. Despite losing a break lead at 4-3 in the second set, Sinner regained focus, closing out the match with an authoritative service game.
The packed stands were a testament to Sinner’s growing status in Italian tennis and the nation’s pride in his accomplishments. As his win was confirmed, the crowd erupted in applause, chanting his name in adoration. “Hopefully I can play here one or two matches more to see where I am at, which would be my main goal,” Sinner said after the match, acknowledging the challenges ahead but expressing optimism for the future.
With the win, Sinner now faces Dutch lucky loser Jesper de Jong in the next round, but his focus is already on further improving his game. His return to action in Rome has been nothing short of a celebration, not only of his talent but also of his resilience in the face of adversity. The victory serves as a reminder of why Sinner is one of the most exciting players in the world, and with the support of his fans behind him, his journey forward promises to be a thrilling one.
Elsewhere in the tournament, defending champion Iga Swiatek’s difficult season continued as she was knocked out of the third round by American Danielle Collins, who triumphed 6-1, 7-5. Swiatek, who is aiming for her fourth consecutive French Open title, will head to Paris without having secured any titles since her victory at Roland Garros the previous year. Additionally, British No 2 Jacob Fearnley was defeated by Matteo Berrettini in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 (0).
