Jannik Sinner makes progress with second win of Rome comeback

ROME, Italy—Jannik Sinner navigated the first hiccup of his comeback at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, navigating a close opening set to ultimately solve Jesper de Jong, 6-4, 6-2.

“Every chance I have to play one more match is very positive,” the world No. 1 said in his post-match press conference. “Putting myself here that I can play a third match, it's already very, very good for me and my progress. Then we see what's coming.”

Sinner lost a 4-1 first-set lead before easing past the lucky loser, booking a fourth-round clash with No. 17 seed Francisco Cerundolo at the Foro Italico.

“I started off very well today, then I had [a] drop which, usually this drop is one and a half games. Today, it was three games, three and a half games. But it's normal. It's the second match I play in three and a half months. It's long time.”

The three-time Grand Slam champion had been off the court for three months serving a suspension for an anti-doping rule violation, but looked strong in his first match since winning the Australian Open in February, knocking out Mariano Navone in straight sets on Saturday.

“Physically, the first match was okay,” said Sinner. “I recovered quite good. Obviously matches, they are a bit different. The impact on our body is for sure different than only practice sessions.

“Of course, I know I have to raise my level tomorrow. Let's see what's coming. But I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be a good test.”

Sinner gave kudos to De Jong for a career-best showing at a Masters 1000 tournament; despite losing in qualifying, the 24-year-old Dutchman stunned No. 25 seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina to reach the third round.

Every chance I have to play one more match is very positive. Putting myself here that I can play a third match, it's already very, very good for me and my progress. Then we see what's coming. Jannik Sinner

“He's a very, very solid player,” said Sinner. “Physically strong. He can run a lot. He has great forehand when he has time. Backhand very solid. He tries to mix up the game with some dropshots, which today worked very, very well.

“I have a feeling that he's going to improve still quite a lot. He's young, like me. We always try to be better as players. But it's great to see him making these kind of steps. Of course, when you're playing on center court, it's different. You have to get used to it.

“I wish him only the best for his career. And also today, he was close. Things can change so quickly. If I'm 5-4 down, then I'm under pressure also.”

A bigger test awaits in Cerundolo, a semifinalist at last week’s Mutua Madrid Open. Sinner and Cerundolo are tied two wins apiece in their head-to-head, will face off for the first time since 2023, when Cerundolo won their match at this very tournament in three sets.