Sinner returns to the field and wins against Navone

The debut that all of Italy was waiting for, in Rome, in front of an extraordinary and orange-dotted crowd: Jannik Sinner beats the Argentine Mariano Navone (number 99 in the world) 6-3, 6-4 in the first match played since January 26, when he won the Australian Open final. Then the suspension for the Clostebol affair, but on the court we saw the acceleration and pressure that we know, with a few more errors (especially forehands) compared to the relentlessness to which he has accustomed us. The first set ended in 42 minutes, the only risk run by the Italian was a break point on 1 all, which he cancelled and then broke serve immediately after. The backhand down the line, always a sure thing, gave him many points, the serve was the extra weapon when needed, the drop shots were useful in front of a Navone - a “terrain player” who has reached 24th place in the past - often far from the baseline. In the second set Jannik was more faulty, the Argentine more daring and aggressive. The balance was broken at 3-3, when Sinner converted the fourth break point (after saving one at 2-1) to take a 4-3 lead. Navone immediately took him back, then from 4-4 Jannik did not make a mistake and closed the game at the first match point with a first serve winner. Now there is the Dutch Jasper de Jong who surprisingly defeated Davidovic Fokina.

"It's a great feeling, I've been waiting for this moment for a long time. I'm happy to be back. It's difficult when you miss matches, the best training is the match. I'm happy with the victory, Navone is great on clay. I could have done better, I made a mistake on my forehand, but it was a significant day for me."

Forward Berrettini and Paolini

Today was also the day of victories on the center court by Matteo Berrettini and Jasmine Paolini. The Roman tennis player prevailed against the English Jacob Fearnley (6-4, 7-6), after canceling two set points. Now it's up to Casper Ruud, fresh from his victory in Madrid.

Jasmine instead got the better of a still-problematic Ons Jabeur 6-4, 6-3, thus reaching the eighth-finals for the first time at the Internationals. Jelena Ostapenko awaits her.