Jannik Sinner gains 'confidence' from straight-sets victory over Jesper de Jong as he continues return from doping ban at Italian Open

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Jannik Sinner cruised through the third round of the Italian Open in his second match since returning from his three-month doping ban. The Italian won 6-4 6-2 against Jesper de Jong and will now face Francisco Cerundolo in the last 16. The world No. 1 has not competed since winning the Australian Open in January, but is hoping to pick up where he left off ahead of Roland-Garros later this month.

Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates a point against Jesper De Jong of Netherlands in the Men's Singles Round of 32 match during Day Eight of the Internazionali BNL D'Italia 2025.

Image credit: Getty Images

Jannik Sinner has said he gained "confidence" during his straight-sets victory over Jesper de Jong in the third round of the Italian Open.

The world No. 1 triumphed 6-4 6-2 against the Dutchman in his second match back since his three-month ban for a doping violation.

The victory was the Italian’s 23rd in a row, per the ATP, and he will look to extend the impressive run in the last 16, when he takes on world No. 18 Francisco Cerundolo.

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Speaking afterwards, Sinner said: "It was a completely different match from the first one, different conditions.

"I felt like I started the match very well, and then I had a drop, and he played a bit better. I tried to understand what was going on, and fortunately, I broke him at 4-4 again, which gave me confidence to continue.

"The second set went how it went. He injured himself. He is an amazing player and more of an amazing person, and I wish him all the best, and I hope it is nothing too serious."

Sinner helped De Jong to his feet after he injured his right wrist while slipping, with the Italian leading 3-2 in the second set.

The world No. 93 received a medical timeout, but was clearly hampered as play resumed, with his wrist heavily strapped, and he failed to win another game.

The tournament in Rome is Sinner’s first since he successfully defended his Australian Open crown in January and will be his only one before Roland-Garros later this month.

It was just three weeks after the 23-year-old’s success in Melbourne that he accepted WADA’s (World Anti-Doping Agency) offer of a three-month ban following his failed drugs test last year.

After getting a bye through the opening round in Rome, Sinner’s return to action came on Saturday as he beat Argentina’s Mariano Navone in round two.

Speaking after his second-round victory, he said the reaction of the crowd inside the Campo Centrale was the best he had ever experienced.

"It has been amazing to go again on court after such a long time, having a great support also in the last days," Sinner said.

"From the first day I came here, it has been amazing. I was waiting for this moment quite a long time.

"The whole match, even when it seems quite comfortable, it's a rollercoaster, no?

"Inside we feel that, especially the beginning of the match having, again, the nerves of serving for the first time, trying to move in the best possible way you can."

You can watch all the action from the 2025 French Open live in the UK on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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