Jannik Sinner vs Mariano Navone LIVE: World No 1 wins on return from doping ban at Italian Open
Sinner played his first match since winning the Australian Open in January
World No 1 Jannik Sinner came back with a bang as he dispatched Mariano Navone in straight sets on his return to action from suspension at the Italian Open.
Sinner was met by a partisan capacity-crowd in Rome, having not competed since winning the Australian Open in January due to a three-month doping ban.
There weren’t too many signs of rust and it didn’t take long for Sinner to break his Argentine opponent on the way to a 6-3 first-set win.
Navone showed signs of fighting back in the second, with the pair trading three consecutive breaks before Sinner served out the set to claim a 6-3 6-4 victory - taking his win streak to 22, dating to October.
Relive all the action from Sinner’s return below:
Report: Jannik Sinner enjoys triumphant return from doping ban before home crowd at Italian Open
World No 1 Jannik Sinner made a solid return from his three-month doping ban by beating Mariano Navone 6-3, 6-4 before an adoring home crowd at the Italian Open.
It was Sinner's first match in more than 100 days, since he won his third Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January.
There weren't too many signs of rust and it didn't take long for Sinner to start crushing his groundstrokes on or near the lines. When the Italian broke for 3-1 in the first set, the crowd inside Campo Centrale sang "Ole, ole, ole, Sin-ner, Sin-ner."
Sinner enjoys triumphant return from doping ban at Italian Open
Jannik Sinner basks in his glorious return
Jannik Sinner 'never taking things for granted'
“For me it helped (to have an extra few days to prepare,” Sinner told Sky Sports. “When you come to a tournament, the atmosphere is different so it helped me.
“Especially on Centre Court, in night session, it’s an amazing feeling and a special feeling and I never take things for granted. I’m just happy to be back.”
Jannik Sinner reflects on a 'remarkable day'
“Amazing feeling, I’ve waited quite a long for this moment,” Sinner told Sky Sports. “I am very happy to be back.
“It’s very hard to have the right feedback when you don’t have matches, but that’s exactly what I need. Now I think the best practice is the match itself so I’m very happy about that.
“I’m very happy about the win today. It has been very difficult. He’s such a great player, especially on this surface. I tried to move around the ball, at times it went very well but it could have been better.
“But in any case it doesn’t matter about the result. Today has been a remarkable day for so I’m very happy.”
Now you can hear the crowd!
The capacity crowd in Rome weren’t exactly vociferous for Jannik Sinner’s return - they seemed about as nervous as he was.
But as he sealed the victory, Centre Court erupted.
Maybe not the perfect performance, but Sinner is back with a win.
GAME, SET & MATCH! *Jannik Sinner 6-3 6-4 Mariano Navone*
That’s how you finish it!
Sinner piledrives an ace through Navone to secure victory on his return!
*Jannik Sinner 6-3 5-4 Mariano Navone
Massive first serve from Sinner is met by a stretched return by Navone which flies long.
Navone responds with a much more ferocious return on Sinner’s next serve. The Italian goes to the net but can’t keep his volley in front of the bassline.
Sinner bounces back by forcing Navone into another long forehand - but with an opportunity at match point, he completely fluffs a volley, giving Navone the chance to fire cross-court and take it to 30-30.
Under pressure, Sinner keeps it steady as his forehand is met with a third wayward shot from Navone.
Match point...
BREAK! Jannik Sinner 6-3 5-4 Mariano Navone*
Navone has his head up and is playing Sinner into some dangerous waters here.
But after losing the first point, Sinner manages to overcome the pressure and takes control of the game.
A massive smash gives him a break point at 30-40, and he makes no mistake!
It’s a third break in a row - and Sinner will serve for the match!
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