The world No. 1 was rusty on his first match back after three months away. His Italian Open draw means he cannot afford to be so for long.

Jannik Sinner passed a big test in his return from a three-month doping ban, beating accomplished clay-court player Francisco Cerundolo on Tuesday to reach the Italian Open quarterfinals.

Italy’s Jannik Sinner serves the ball to Netherlands’ Jesper De Jong during their tennis match at the Italian Open at the Foro Italico, in Rome, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) Italy’s Jannik Sinner returns the ball to Netherlands’ Jesper De Jong during their tennis match at the Italian Open at the Foro Italico,

It was hard to imagine that Jannik Sinner would play at such a high level already in his first tournament after his return to the professional tour. The world No.1 – who had not been able to play since the Australian Open due to a three-month ban – returned to action in Rome this week and reached the quarterfinals without dropping a set.

This was Jannik Sinner's 50th victory as the ATP's top-ranked player, in just his 53rd outing as the world number one. Since the ATP rankings were first published in 1973, that is the joint-fewest matches required to reach 50 wins as the world number one,

Jannik Sinner is still regaining his focus on the tennis court after his three-month doping ban. The world No. 1 overcame a brief lapse during the first set of a 6-4, 6-2 victory over No. 93 Dutch qualifier Jesper De Jong in his second match back on tour in front of his home crowd at the Italian Open on Monday.

In a clash between two of the fastest players on tour, American 11th seed Tommy Paul takes down Australia's Alex de Minaur in straight sets to reach the quarterfinals.

Jannik Sinner went to extreme lengths to make sure Jesper De Jong was fully supported after the Dutchman suffered a nasty injury during their match at the Italian Open. We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.