Jannik Sinner Makes Winning Return After Doping Ban at Home Italian Open

Danielle Collins stunned world No. 2 Iga Świątek in a major upset at the Italian Open, ending Świątek’s long reign in the top two rankings. Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner returned to competition with a win after serving a three-month doping suspension, receiving a warm welcome from fans in Rome.

Jannik Sinner Makes Winning Return After Doping Ban at Home Italian Open

In Rome, Jannik Sinner made a triumphant return to tennis by defeating Mariano Navone 6-3, 6-4 in his first match back after a three-month doping ban. The world No. 1 received an emotional standing ovation from the home crowd, some of whom held banners reading “Bentornato Jannik” and wore orange in tribute to his signature ginger hair.

Sinner’s suspension stemmed from two positive tests for Clostebol, an anabolic steroid. Although he was initially cleared by the International Tennis Integrity Agency, which accepted that the banned substance came from a contaminated over-the-counter spray used by a physiotherapist, the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the decision. Sinner eventually accepted a ban from February 9 to May 4.

Despite the controversy, Sinner picked up where he left off, recording his 22nd consecutive ATP tour win following his Australian Open triumph in January.

“I’m happy about the win today. It has been very difficult,” Sinner said after the match. “He 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 be better, yes, but it doesn’t matter about the result today. It has been a remarkable day for me, so I’m very happy.”

Sinner will next face Jesper de Jong in the tournament’s third round.