Jannik Sinner Celebrates Triumphant Return with Victory at Italian Open
SME News Europe. Rome – May 11, 2025 — World No. 1 Jannik Sinner marked a powerful return to the ATP Tour with a commanding straight-sets victory over Mariano Navone at the Italian Open, delighting a home crowd on a night that he described as “remarkable.”The 23-year-old Italian, playing his first competitive match in three months following a doping suspension, showed no signs of rust as he dispatched Navone 6-3, 6-4 under the lights of Centre Court in Rome. The win sends Sinner into the third round, where he will face Dutchman Jesper de Jong.“It’s an amazing feeling—I’ve waited quite long for this moment,” Sinner said during his post-match interview. “I’m very happy to be back. Playing here at home, in a night session, on Centre Court—it’s a very special feeling.”Sinner’s last appearance on court came when he claimed his second Australian Open title earlier this year. His return to competitive play had been delayed by a voluntary three-month suspension agreed upon with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), after testing positive for a banned substance.The top seed immediately faced pressure in the opening set, fending off an early break point before securing a break of his own to take control. Sinner closed the set in just 42 minutes, striking 11 winners with trademark power and precision.In the second set, Navone, ranked No. 99 in the world, mounted a stronger challenge, trading breaks with the Italian and pushing him to respond with composed, clinical tennis. Sinner broke once more to lead 5-4, and sealed victory with a decisive ace down the T on match point.“It’s hard to get the right feedback when you haven’t had matches,” Sinner added. “That’s what I need now—the rhythm of real competition. Today was difficult. Mariano is a great player, especially on clay. But the result wasn’t the most important thing—it’s being back out here that matters.”Sinner missed last year’s Italian Open due to a hip injury, making this homecoming even more meaningful for both him and his supporters. As he continues his campaign in Rome, the Italian star is focused on finding rhythm, consistency, and building momentum in front of an adoring home crowd.
