Jannik Sinner given hero's welcome at Italian Open despite off-court controversies

    Roars of "Sinner, Sinner" filled the air at the Italian Open on Saturday as Jannik Sinner returned to action in front of his home crowd with a straight-sets victory over Mariano Navone.

    Jannik Sinner at the Italian Open Jannik Sinner at the Italian Open

    In the eyes of Italian tennis fans, Sinner is a beloved figure who has no reason to apologise for his indiscretions, with the three-month suspension he has served following a positive doping test doing little to affect their adoration for him.

    Argentina's Mariano Navone was the player handed the task of taking on Sinner in an atmosphere that was akin to a Davis Cup match and from the off, it was clear that the local hero had way too much for him.

    From the first couple of games, Sinner brushed off any suggestions of rustiness as he found stunning length on his ground shots, with Navone having no answer to his brilliance as the Italian won the first set 6-3.

    It would have been understandable if Sinner had a few nerves and may need a few games and even a few matches to get his timing back in place, but this brilliant champion didn't need any of that.

    The weight of his shot was there quickly, with his level impressively high as he rocked Navone onto the ropes and finished him off by serving out the first set.

    The second set was a little more edgy, and the euphoria of the crowd faded as Sinner appeared to lose some of his egde, but he found a way to get over the line to seal a 6-3, 6-4 win.

    Sinner's levels were impressive and there is no doubt that if he improves on what he showed against Navone, he will be a favourite to win in Rome this week and probably also at the French Open.

    He even allowed himself a wry smile as he shook hands with Navone at the net and overall, this was a fine performance for a player who has not played a competitive match in 104 days.

    "Today I felt quite good on court," said Sinner afterwards. "I'm happy about that. Hopefully of course we are aiming for small improvements which are the small details that can make the difference."

    Asked about the support of the crowd, the Italian replied: "That means much more than any result, to be honest. It has been an amazing feeling to come here starting from the first practices with other players."