World No 1 Sinner Wins Italian Open Return After Doping Ban

World number one tennis player Jannik Sinner made a triumphant return to the sport at the Italian Open after a three-month doping suspension linked to accidental contamination from his physiotherapist. Sinner defeated Mariano Navone 6-3, 6-4 in the second round, despite some natural rust from the layoff, extending his impressive tour-level winning streak to 22 matches. He expressed gratitude for the passionate support from home fans, who celebrated him with costumes and cheers, and emphasized that the joy of competing again outweighed concerns about his readiness. Sinner acknowledged ongoing doubts about his form but remained focused on regaining his best performance ahead of the French Open. The suspension, accepted as a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency, did not imply cheating, and Sinner's priority is to rebuild momentum and competitive rhythm. Overall, his victory was a significant step in his comeback, driven by determination and encouragement from supporters.