Sinner returns to the court and wins against Navone
After a three-month suspension, Jannik overcame the Argentinean in two sets in Rome in front of an extraordinary crowd. Now it's Dutchman Jasper de Jong
2' min read
2' min read
The debut that the whole of Italy had been waiting for, in Rome, in front of an extraordinary crowd dotted with orange: Jannik Sinner beat Argentine Mariano Navone (world number 99) 6-3, 6-4 in the first match played since 26 January, when he won the Australian Open final. Then the suspension for the Clostebol affair, but on court we saw the acceleration and pressure we know, with a few more errors (especially with the forehand) than the relentlessness he has accustomed us to. The first set was over in 42 minutes, the only risk taken by the Italian was a break point on 1-all, which he cancelled and then broke immediately afterwards. His long backhand, always a safety, gave him many points, his serve was the extra weapon when he served, useful short balls in front of a Navone - a 'terraiolo' who has touched the 24th position in the past - often far from the baseline. In the second set Jannik was more foul, the Argentine more daring and aggressive. The balance was broken on 3-all, when Sinner converted his fourth break point (after saving one on 2-1) to take a 4-3 lead. Navone took him back immediately, then from 4 even Jannik made no mistake and closed the score on the first match point with a winning first serve. Now there is the Dutchman Jasper de Jong who defeated, by surprise, Davidovic Fokina.
"It's a great feeling, I have waited so long for this moment. I am happy to be back. It's difficult when you miss matches, the best training is the match. I am happy with the win, Navone is great on clay. I could have done better, I made a forehand mistake, but it was a significant day for me."
Berrettini and Paolini come forward
Today was also the day of victories on the centre court for Matteo Berrettini and Jasmine Paolini. The Roman tennis player prevailed against the English Jacob Fearnley (6-4, 7-6), after cancelling two set points. Now it is up to Casper Ruud, fresh from his victory in Madrid.
Jasmine, on the other hand, got the better of an Ons Jabeur still with physical problems 6-4, 6-3, thus advancing to the round of 16 for the first time at the Internationals. Jelena Ostapenko awaits her.
