From Sinner to Saint: Jannik will get hero’s welcome in ‘implausible’ comeback from doping ban

Jannik Sinner has hailed his profitable go back to motion as “an incredible moment” after his adoring enthusiasts in Rome cheered him to victory on the Italian Open following the top of his three-month doping ban.

The international No.1, taking part in his first fit since profitable the Australian Open in January, took no time to get again into the profitable groove on the Foro Italico on Saturday, defeating Argentina’s Mariano Navone 6-3 6-4 of their second-round stumble upon.

Playing in entrance of a cheering 10,500 crowd in his house match, the 23-year-old, who were given a bye in his opening fit, seemed virtually as though he’d by no means been away as he earned victory in a single hour and 38 mins.

“It’s an amazing feeling. I’ve waited quite long for this moment. I’m very happy to be back,” Sinner mentioned afterwards.

“It was an incredible moment for me, going again on court.

“I tried to prepare myself in the best way and control my mental thing in the best way, which I did, so I am very happy about that.”

Sinner broke as soon as as he took the primary set in 40 mins towards the sector No.99 Navone, who then presented sterner resistance in the second one prior to Sinner closed out his first fit in additional than 100 days with the orange-clad crowd on Campo Centrale serenading him with cries of “Ole, ole, ole, Sin-ner, Sin-ner!”