Doping ban over, euphoria reigns: crowds flock to see the world number one.
6,000 fans packed into the Center Court at the Foro Italico, cheering, singing, chanting, and live TV coverage—and it was just a training session: Tennis star Jannik Sinner’s comeback has sent Italy into a frenzy.
Crowds of people wanted to see the world number one at public training on Monday evening – it didn’t matter to them that the South Tyrolean was not returning from an injury break, but from a doping ban.
Sinner: “I missed you all very much.”
“I missed you all very much and am incredibly happy to be here,” the 23-year-old had told his fan base shortly before in a video message. And they celebrated Sinner frenetically as he warmed up with his Czech counterpart Jiri Lehecka, ranked 30th in the world.
After 90 minutes, Sinner waved goodbye, having signed autographs and posed for selfies. He is expected to play his first match after his three-month ban following two positive tests for clostebol on Saturday against his compatriot Federico Cina or Mariano Navone (Argentina).
