Jannik Sinner marked his return to professional tennis with a decisive victory at Rome's Italian Open on Saturday, defeating Argentina's Mariano Navone 6-3, 6-4. This marked his first match since completing a three-month doping ban and comes after his Australian Open victory in January – his third Grand Slam title.
The Italian star, greeted by roaring home crowds at Campo Centrale, showcased his signature precision, hitting 21 winners compared to Navone's 10. Though Sinner admitted to occasional lapses, including a late service drop in the second set, he credited the crowd's energy for fueling his comeback: "They always give me strength to continue even in tough times."
The win extends Sinner's unbeaten streak to 22 matches, a run stretching back to October 2023. He now faces Dutch qualifier Jesper De Jong in the next round. Analysts note the match as a critical litmus test for Sinner's mental resilience post-suspension, with broader implications for his ranking ahead of the French Open.
