Jannik Sinner's triumphant Rome return: defeats Mariano Navone in straight sets

Jannik Sinner had a triumphant return, defeating Mariano Navone 6-3, 6-4 in the second round of the Rome Open. The world No. 1 played his first match since winning the title at the past Australian Open, leaving behind three months of suspension due to the doping controversy, and advances to the third round.

The Italian received a luxurious welcome in his home country, with the local crowd giving him a standing ovation upon his entrance to the court and offering great support throughout the match. Sinner overcame critical points to eliminate the Argentine in straight sets.

The Italian looked a bit out of rhythm at the start, struggling to land his first serve. He overcame a break point against him early on and then secured his first chances on return in the 4th game, achieving the break after a hesitant service game from the Argentine. Sinner took a 3-1 lead and held onto his serve to stay ahead on the scoreboard.

World No. 99 Navone showed his quality from the baseline, maintaining the rallies when the points lengthened; however, Sinner prevailed in the short points, showing aggression to take the initiative. The world No. 1 maintained his lead and, without faltering on serve, took his first set point to win the set 6-3.

The second set was a rollercoaster on both sides, with both players taking advantage of their few break chances. The first six games were six consecutive breaks; Sinner capitalized on 3/3 chances, and Navone on 3/4 opportunities, leaving the score at 3-3 with neither player holding serve.

Sinner was the one who changed things, finally holding his serve in the 7th game after saving a break point to go ahead 4-3. Navone fought on his serve and maintained parity, but when the score was 5-4 in Sinner's favor, one opportunity was enough for the 3-time Grand Slam champion to secure the 6-3, 6-4 victory and advance to the third round of the Rome Open.

The Italian marks a good return to the courts against an opponent whose clay-court ranking is misleading. The Italian had a remarkable day to return to competition and will face Jesper de Jong in the Round of 16, who comes from surprisingly defeating Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.