I’ve Anticipated This Moment: Jannik Sinner Triumphs on Comeback from Three-Month Doping Suspension

After an absence of over 100 days, Jannik Sinner has showcased that he still knows how to clinch a win in tennis.

The world No. 1 marked his return following a three-month suspension for doping with a convincing victory over 99th-ranked Mariano Navone, winning 6-3, 6-4 in front of a supportive home crowd at the Italian Open.

This match was Sinner’s first since he secured his third Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January. He mentioned that it took just three games to find his competitive focus again.

“It feels incredible. I have waited a long time for this moment,” Sinner expressed. “I am thrilled to be back.”

There were few signs of rust as Sinner quickly began to unleash powerful groundstrokes, placing them accurately on or near the lines. When he broke for a 3-1 lead in the first set, the crowd at Campo Centrale erupted into singing “Ole, ole, ole, Sin-ner, Sin-ner.”

However, Sinner admitted to having doubts about regaining his prior form before the match.

“It’s completely normal to have doubts. It would be strange not to have any,” Sinner remarked. “I had reservations before stepping onto the court today, and I still have uncertainties about the next match. But dealing with those doubts is crucial because they indicate how much you care, how eager you are to improve, and your desire to achieve something remarkable.”

A large number of fans in the sold-out crowd of 10,500 donned orange, Sinner’s signature colour, and many held signs that read “Bentornato Jannik” (Welcome back Jannik).

This victory extended Sinner’s winning streak to 22 matches, carrying over from October.

“At times, it went exceptionally well,” he reflected.

“It could have been better, but ultimately, today is not about the result. It’s been an extraordinary day for me,” he commented.

In February, Sinner accepted a three-month ban in a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency, a resolution that stirred up a few questions, as it conveniently allowed him to avoid missing any Grand Slams and return just in time for his home tournament.

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This settlement materialised after WADA appealed a previous verdict by the International Tennis Integrity Agency, which had cleared Sinner of any wrongdoing concerning what it classified as an accidental contamination with a prohibited anabolic steroid back in March 2024.

Many in the professional tennis circuit feel Sinner was given a lenient penalty.

Nevertheless, the crowd at Foro Italico’s night session was fully behind Sinner, who continues to hold the status of Italy’s favourite athlete despite his suspension.

When Sinner landed a stunning backhand winner down the line early in the first set—during the game when he ultimately broke Navone’s serve—a fan enthusiastically shouted, “Destroy him!”

Another sign in the crowd translated to “Make our hearts beat.” One creatively referenced the election of a new pope at the Vatican nearby, playfully stating, “After three months of conclave, Habemus Papam!”—the Latin phrase that is traditionally announced when a new pope is elected.

“The support from the crowd was phenomenal,” Sinner remarked. “They always empower me to push through even in challenging times. This was truly a special moment.”

His only notable slip-up occurred late in the second set when he failed to maintain a break and dropped his serve. However, he quickly broke back in the next game and served out the match without trouble.

Sinner recorded twice as many winners as Navone, with 21 to Navone’s 10; however, he also had more unforced errors, tallying 24 against 19.

“It’s challenging to gauge your performance when you haven’t played any matches recently,” Sinner admitted.

“But that’s exactly what I needed. I believe that match play is the best way to hone my skills.”

Next, Sinner will go up against 93rd-ranked Dutch qualifier Jesper De Jong, who triumphed over 25th-seeded Alejandro Davidovich Fokina with a score of 6-0, 6-2.

The last Italian man to clinch the Rome title was Adriano Panatta in 1976.

“I hope to play here for at least one or two more matches to assess where I stand, which is my primary goal,” said Sinner.

On the women’s side, three-time champion Iga Swiatek faced a shock defeat, losing to Danielle Collins 6-1, 7-5. This third-round exit marked Swiatek’s earliest defeat at a major WTA event in almost four years.

Swiatek, the top player on the clay circuit, was coming off a substantial loss to Coco Gauff in the Madrid Open semifinals last week.

She has a 15-day window to regain her rhythm before Roland-Garros, her favourite tournament where she has secured four of her five Grand Slam titles, kicks off on May 25.