Jannik Sinner Makes ‘Doubt’ Admission at Italian Open Despite Strong Comeback From Doping Ban
Jannik Sinner improved to 60-0 against players outside of the top 20 since the 2023 US Open after defeating Mariano Navone.
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Jannik Sinner (Image via X/GamebredSports)
Jannik Sinner made a statement comeback at the Italian Open after his three-month doping ban. On Saturday (May 10), Sinner, in an hour and 38 minutes, knocked out Mariano Navone to secure his first win since defending his Australian Open crown in January this year, extending his winning streak to 22 matches.
Because of the ban, Sinner missed several ATP 500 events and four Masters 1000 tournaments. He was expected to play a high level of tennis after his ban and he did not disappoint. But Sinner had doubts about his return as he did not have match practice for three months and clay is a surface where he has lifted just one title in his career.
Of course. It’s normal to have doubts. Would be strange to not have any doubts. Would sound very arrogant, no? I have doubts. I had doubts before going on court today. I have doubts now what’s going to happen in the next match.
Jannik Sinner said at the press conference
Sinner tested positive for clostebol twice last year and after escaping a ban from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) demanded a ban of between one and two years to punish him for the ignorance of his team members.
His former physio, Giacomo Naldi, used a contaminated spray to heal a cut on his finger. The spray was bought from Italy by Sinner’s former fitness coach Umberto Ferrara. The WADA, however, reached a case resolution with Sinner earlier this year and chose to hand him a three-month ban.
In Rome, Sinner is bidding to win his second title of the season following the Australian Open, where in the final, he denied World No.2 Alexander Zverev his first Grand Slam trophy. The lone title he won on clay was the 2022 Umag Open. Sinner is playing in his home tournament for the first time since 2023 as last year, he skipped the Italian Open due to an injury.
Matteo Berrettini’s feelings on Jannik Sinner’s return after the doping ban
Matteo Berrettini too is in Rome, playing both singles and doubles matches. In singles, he went past Jacob Fearnley in the second round to set up a clash with reigning Madrid Open champion Casper Ruud. Following his win over Fearnley, Berrettini expressed his admiration for Jannik Sinner.
He will know very well how to handle everything. Jannik is super happy to be here. I’ve seen him smile. It’s good for all of us that he’s back. He’s the strongest player in the world. I wish him the best. He’ll handle what’s coming much better than I could.
Matteo Berrettini said at the press conference
Berrettini could run into Sinner if both of them reach the quarterfinals. But before that, Berrettini has to go past three-time Grand Slam finalist Ruud against whom, he trails 3-4 in the head-to-head record. Against Sinner, on the other hand, Berrettini hasn’t yet claimed a win in the two matches they played.
Jannik Sinner to lock horns with Jesper De Jong in the third round
Sinner has scheduled a clash with Jesper De Jong for the second time in his career. Prior to setting up the clash with the three-time Grand Slam champion, the qualifier eliminated Alexander Shevchenko and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the first and second rounds, respectively.
In their lone encounter, Sinner defeated the Dutchman in the second round of the 2024 Australian Open. Sinner now has a chance to improve his win-loss record to 61-0 against opponents outside the top 20 since the 2023 US Open.
Also read: Coco Gauff Bitterly Complains About the Italian Open’s Slow Conditions After Opening Round Victory
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