'Best reception I've ever had' – Sinner savours win on return from ban

Jannik Sinner mentioned it was an “superb feeling” to be again on court docket after beating Argentina’s Mariano Navone on the Italian Open within the first match since his doping ban.

The 6-3 6-4 victory was the world primary’s twenty second in a row – a streak interrupted by the three-month suspension he agreed with the World Anti Doping Company (Wada).

Sinner wrote ‘Che bello’ (How lovely) on the digicam lens on the finish of the match, as chants of ‘Ole’ rang across the stadium.

The Italian mentioned the response from the house crowd was the perfect he had ever skilled.

“It has been superb to go once more on court docket after such a very long time, having an incredible help additionally within the final days,” Sinner mentioned.

His dad and mom have been amongst 10,500 individuals who provided him a full throated welcome onto the Campo Centrale, however Sinner confirmed little emotion as he walked readily available in hand with a toddler mascot.

“From the primary day I got here right here, it has been superb. I used to be ready for this second fairly a very long time,” he added.

“The entire match, even when it appears fairly snug, it is a rollercoaster, no?

“Inside we really feel that, particularly the start of the match having, once more, the nerves of serving for the primary time, attempting to maneuver in the absolute best approach you may.”