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Jannik Sinner returns to winning ways after doping ban

Three times Grand Slam winner defeated Mariano Navone of Argentina in the second round of the Italian Open.

Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a backhand return to Ben Shelton of the U.S. during their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo)

Jannik Sinner plays a backhand to Ben Shelton during their semi-final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne. (AP Photo)

World number one Jannik Sinner returned to victorious ways in the second round of the Italian Open after a three-month doping ban.

Sinner defeated Argentina’s Mariano Navone 6-3, 6-4 in straight sets.

Earlier this year, Sinner agreed a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency in February and began an immediate three-month suspension after authorities accepted that the anabolic agent clostebol had entered his system via massages from his physiotherapist.

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The three-times Grand Slam winner Sinner hasn’t played since winning the Australian Open in January. “It’s an amazing feeling,” said the 23-year-old. “I waited quite long for this moment. I’m very happy to be back.It’s very difficult to have the right feedback when you don’t have any matches, and that’s exactly what I need. Now I think the best practice is the match itself, so I’m very happy about that.”

Sinner said that there was natural rust but competing again brought him the joy that overrode any doubts about sharpness and rhythm.

“I’m very happy about the win today. It was very difficult. (Navone) is such a great player, especially on this surface. I tried to move around the ball.

“At times it went very well, at times it could have been better, yes, but in any case, it doesn’t matter about the result today. It has been a remarkable day for me, so I’m very happy,” Sinner said.

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Sinner was also surprised about how good his game felt after the layoff. Talking about his game, Sinner said,”I was surprised how things can (feel good) so quickly. I tried to give everything I have. I think that’s the only thing I can do and that’s the only thing I can control right now,” Sinner said.

“The sensation felt quite good, to be honest. Of course, there were some ups and downs, that is normal, but (Navone) played some great tennis, especially when he broke me in the second set,” he added further.

After extending his tour-level winning streak to 22 matches, Sinner will next face lucky loser Jesper de Jong.