Jannik Sinner overcomes ‘big drop’ in level in 2nd match back from doping ban at Italian Open

Jannik Sinner is still regaining his focus on the tennis court after his three-month doping ban.

The top-ranked player overcame a brief lapse during the first set of a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Dutch qualifier Jesper De Jong in his second match back on tour at the Italian Open on Monday.

Sinner jumped out to a 4-1 lead but then lost his serve twice as the 93rd-ranked De Jong evened the first set at 4-4.

There were poor drop shots, an inopportune double-fault and other errors from Sinner. But the Italian regained control in front of his home crowd with his powerful groundstrokes and big serve and extended his winning streak to 23 matches, dating back to October.

“I felt like I started the match very well and then I had a big drop,” Sinner said. “I tried to understand what was going on. Then fortunately I broke him on 4-all again, which then gave me the confidence to continue.”

Sinner is into the last 16 of his first tournament since he won his third Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January.

In February, Sinner agreed to the three-month ban in a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency that raised some questions, since it conveniently allowed him not to miss any Grand Slams and come back at his home tournament.

The Italian Open is the last big warmup before the French Open starts on May 25.

Just like in his opening win over Mariano Navone on Saturday, the fans at the Foro Italico were fully behind Sinner — Italy’s first No. 1.

Yelling “Vai Jannik” (“Go Jannik”) and singing his name, the crowd provided encouragement whenever Sinner needed it.

“It’s good to have him back,” 12th-ranked Tommy Paul said of Sinner after beating Tomas Machac 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-4. “He’s such a big figure in the sport. He kind of sets the bar right now.”

The last Italian man to win the Rome title was Adriano Panatta in 1976.

Sinner led De Jong 22-16 in winners and had fewer unforced errors than his opponent, 16-25 — after trailing in that category against Navone.

Sinner also served better, producing four aces.

Sinner will next face 17th-seeded Francisco Cerundolo, who beat Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner 6-2, 6-4.

Cerundolo is coming off a run to the Madrid Open semifinals and beat Nicolas Jarry — last year’s Rome finalist — in straight sets in the opening round.

“Last time I played here, I lost against him here on this court,” Sinner said, referring to a three-set loss to Cerundolo in the round of 16 two years ago. “It’s going to be tough. For sure I have to raise my level if I want to play even. … I’m trying to understand where my game is so it’s going to be a good challenge, good test for me.”

Sinner checks on fallen opponent

De Jong fell to the clay when he lost his footing trying to reach a passing shot from Sinner in the second set and the Italian came across the net to check on him. Sinner fetched a towel for De Jong and wiped off the Dutchman’s racket handle.

De Jong then needed medical attention for his right wrist before resuming play.

Flyover disrupts De Minaur

Also reaching the fourth round was seventh-seeded Alex De Minaur, who beat Bolivian qualifier Hugo Dellien in a match that was interrupted twice during the first set — first when a spectator got sick and then because of a flyover by the Italian Air Force’s acrobatic team.

De Minaur was visibly frustrated by the flyover.

“I didn’t handle it very well, because I got broken straight away,” De Minaur said. “I did well to bounce back and get the break back, but I’ve got to be a little bit better mentally to not let those things, outside factors affect me.”

Gauff routs Raducanu

In the women’s round of 16, Coco Gauff routed Emma Raducanu 6-1, 6-2 in a matchup of former U.S. Open champions.

Peyton Stearns eliminated Naomi Osaka 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (4) after 2 hours, 41 minutes. Stearns also edged Australian Open champion Madison Keys in a third-set tiebreaker in her previous match.

Also, home favorite Jasmine Paolini beat 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko 7-5, 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals.

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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis