Jannik Sinner explains what he was doing early in the first set to find out where his level was at the Italian Open

Follow us on Google Discover

Jannik Sinner was studying every aspect of his game during his first tennis match in three months.

The Italian made his highly-anticipated return to the game at the Italian Open after serving a ban due to two positive drug tests in 2024.

He remained the World number one during his absence, and he played as though he never left the tour, as Sinner defeated Argentina’s Mariano Navone 6-3, 6-4.

The 23-year-old’s home fans in Rome were delighted to see him back, and he will aim to have a to do well at his first ATP Italian Open campaign since 2023.

What did Jannik Sinner do to test where his level was at the Italian Open?

To an extent, Jannik Sinner was unsure what to expect when he stepped on court for his first match after his suspension, not only with the crowd reaction but with his game.

There would be no surprise if the World number one showed clear signs of rust, but he looked very comfortable for the majority of his opening round clash with Navone at the Foro Italico.

Post-match Sinner stressed how focused he was and shared what he was trying to do early in the contest to test where his level was at.

“At the beginning I left like I was not hitting the ball as I would like to,” Sinner told Sky Sports as he assessed his game.

“But at 2-1 in the first set I tried to do a couple of backhands down the line to try and understand my game and what is working a little bit better, and I’m happy about that.

“It was an incredible moment for me going on court again after such a long wait. We tried to prepare ourselves in the best possible way. I tried to control my mental state in the best possible way which I’ve done, so I’m very happy and glad about that.”

Jannik Sinner said how he felt after making a winning return after his suspension

It can be understood if Sinner went through a roller coaster of emotions in the leadup to his return and during the match.

But he stayed incredibly poised throughout the contest and struck 21 winners on the way to a straight-set victory.

Sinner was also solid on serve, as he won 63% of his first serve points, and an impressive 71% of points behind his second serve.

Post-match, Sinner applauded the crowd and expressed how pleased he was to play with a level of freedom that he says has been missing for some time.

“I’m extremely happy. It’s the first time after one year that I’ve played freely without any thoughts in my mind, and it’s good,” Sinner added.

“For me, in any case the result didn’t really matter, though I’m happy about that. The crowd gives me so much energy and positive things, so I’m very happy.”