Sinner enjoys 'amazing feeling' in comeback win

Jannik Sinner expressed an "amazing feeling" after returning to the court. He beat Argentina’s Mariano Navone at the Italian Open. This was his first match since a doping ban.

Sinner won 6-3, 6-4, marking his 22nd consecutive victory. His winning streak was interrupted by a three-month suspension from WADA.

At the end of the match, he wrote ‘Che bello’ on the camera lens. Chants of ‘Ole’ filled the stadium as he celebrated.

Sinner said the crowd's reaction was the best he had ever felt. "It has been amazing to go again on court after such a long time," he noted.

His parents were among 10,500 fans who welcomed him warmly. Sinner walked onto Campo Centrale hand in hand with a child mascot but showed little emotion.

"From day one here, it has been amazing," he added. He had waited for this moment for a long time.

"The whole match is like a rollercoaster," Sinner explained. He felt nerves serving for the first time again.

Earlier that day, huge crowds gathered to watch him practice on Court Five. Children climbed on parents' shoulders for a better view.

Italian daily newspaper Corriere dello Sport headlined "Jannik’s day." They proclaimed that Rome would embrace its strongest tennis player.

Sinner signed many autographs while practicing with top-10 players like Taylor Fritz and Casper Ruud. Fans treated his return as a celebration after what they viewed as an unfair suspension.

Members of the Italian media even applauded when Sinner entered the interview room on Monday afternoon.

This match was his first since defending his Australian Open title in January. Three weeks later, he accepted WADA's offer of a three-month ban for two doping violations last year.

Sinner tested positive for clostebol but was initially cleared by an independent tribunal. His physio used a spray containing clostebol to treat a cut on his finger.

WADA initially suggested a one- to two-year ban but later deemed it too harsh. They negotiated with Sinner’s legal team instead.

Rome provided beautiful weather for Sinner's return match. While Lazio played Juventus nearby, Sinner missed his first serve but quickly regained focus.

He won the first set with one break of serve and powerful shots. The second set proved more challenging due to unforced errors from his forehand.

Despite recording 16 unforced errors, Sinner secured victory in one hour and 38 minutes with two breaks of serve to one.

His decision-making wasn't sharp, but he felt pleased with his comeback performance.

"I missed official matches; they provide valuable feedback," Sinner said about returning to competition.

Now he has clarity on what he's doing well and what needs improvement. "The nerves have to settle back into my body," he added about adjusting again.

Sinner will face world number 93 Jesper de Jong in his next match on Monday. The Italian Open is the last Masters 1000 event before Roland Garros begins soon after.

He also entered the Hamburg Open before French Open week if he needs more clay practice.