Sinner praises home support on return from doping ban at Italian Open
World No 1 back after three-month suspension with second-round victory in straight sets in Rome
Jannik Sinner hailed the passionate backing he has received from his colourful support in Rome after returning to tennis on Saturday with a confident win at the Italian Open.
The world No 1 swept past second-round opponent Mariano Navone in front of over 10,000 fans at the Foro Italico, looking nothing like a player who has spent three months out of the game due to a doping ban he said he grudgingly accepted from the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada).
The Italian was roared on by fans dressed as carrots and decked out in orange in honour of his ginger hair, as he beat Navone in straight sets 6-3, 6-4.
“It has been amazing to go again on court after such a long time, having a great support also in the last days. From the first day I came here, it has been amazing,” Sinner told reporters.
“That means much more than any result, to be honest. It has been an amazing feeling to come here, starting from the first practices with other players.”
Sinner said that he had been battling nerves and doubts about his readiness ahead of his return from an enforced absence which began in February, nearly a year after he twice tested positive for traces of banned substance clostebol.