Sinner wins in return from doping ban at ATP Italian Open

Rome: Top seed and current world No. 1 Jannik Sinner secured a straight-sets victory in his comeback match, defeating Argentina’s Mariano Navone 6-3, 6-4 in the second round of the ATP Italian Open on Saturday.  The Italian had served a three-month ban for his two doping offences after accepting the punishment following a case resolution agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency in February this year. He tested positive for clostebol in March 2024.

Sinner’s doping ban officially ended on May 5. As the top seed in Rome, he received a first-round bye and made his debut on clay this season, reports Xinhua.

In the opening set, Sinner built a 4-2 lead in the first six games. Both players then held serve comfortably by winning four straight points in the next two games, before Sinner consolidated his advantage with a hold in the ninth game to take the set 6-3.

The second set was tighter, with both players holding serve through the first six games for 3-3. In a tense seventh game, Sinner finally converted his fourth break point. However, Navone immediately broke back in the following game. Sinner responded strongly, breaking once more and then holding serve to close out the set 6-4. In the third round, Sinner will face Dutch lucky loser Jesper de Jong. Meanwhile Arthur Fils continued his remarkable ascent on the ATP Tour with a thrilling comeback victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas. The 20-year-old Frenchman, currently ranked No.14 in the PIF ATP Rankings, rallied from a set down to defeat the Greek star 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, securing his place in the fourth round of the Masters 1000 event. Looking ahead, Fils is set to face either Alexander Zverev or Vilius Gaubas in the fourth round. A potential matchup with Zverev would be a significant test, as the German is currently ranked No. 2 in the PIF ATP Rankings. In other action on Day 5 in Rome, defending champion Daniil Medvedev advanced to the fourth round with a commanding 6-4, 6-1 win over Alexei Popyrin. Medvedev, seeking his first title since his 2023 Rome victory, displayed dominant form. (IANS)

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