Jannik Sinner remains on track in Italy’s capital, winning his second match since his suspension. Now he faces an Argentine opponent.
Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner reached the round of 16 without much trouble in his home match in Rome. The world number one, who is playing his first tournament after his doping ban, defeated Dutchman Jesper De Jong 6-4, 6-2 and will now face 17th-seeded Argentine Francisco Cerundolo in the Masters.
Against underdog De Jong, ranked 93rd in the world, Sinner lost two service games in a row in the first set, giving up a 4-1 lead. But in the decisive moments, the Australian Open champion, who recently had to sit out for three months due to two positive tests for clostebol, stepped up a gear again.
De Jong was also visibly handicapped after falling on his right wrist in the second set. After 1 hour and 33 minutes, the favorite converted his first match point.
Successful return for Sinner
On his comeback to the tour, Sinner confidently defeated Cerundolo’s compatriot Mariano Navone (6-3, 6-4). In the quarterfinals, he could face the in-form Casper Ruud from Norway (No. 6). Second seed Alexander Zverev (Hamburg) and four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) are also in the round of 16 in Italy’s capital.
South Tyrolean Sinner is gaining competitive experience at his home tournament in Rome and wants to get in shape for the clay court highlight of the year. He has yet to win the French Open in Paris (starting May 25). The fact that his three-month ban fell exactly between the Australian Open and Roland Garros was viewed critically by many of his professional colleagues.