**Jannik Sinner Becomes First Italian Men’s No. 1 to Compete at Italian Open in 17 Years**
Jannik Sinner marked a historic milestone at the 2025 Italian Open, becoming the first Italian men’s world No. 1 to compete in the tournament since Adriano Panatta in 1978, ending a 47-year gap. The 23-year-old, returning from a three-month doping suspension, delivered a commanding 6-3, 6-4 victory over Argentina’s Mariano Navone in his opening match on May 10, thrilling a sold-out Campo Centrale crowd of 10,500. This win extended Sinner’s streak to 22 consecutive matches, dating back to October 2024, and showcased his seamless return to competitive tennis after his last match in January 2025, when he defended his Australian Open title.
Sinner’s historic appearance as the top-ranked player was a moment of national pride, amplified by the fervent support at the Foro Italico. Fans, donning orange and waving signs like “Habemus Sinner,” likened his return to a papal election, a nod to the concurrent Vatican conclave. The Tennis Gazette highlighted this as the first time in 17 years an Italian man competed as world No. 1 in Rome, though the claim likely refers to the broader historical gap since Panatta, as no Italian man held the top ranking in the interim. Sinner’s performance, with 21 winners and a 75% first-serve point win rate, per Tennis Tonic, showed minimal rust, despite a shaky forehand in the second set.
The doping ban, stemming from two positive clostebol tests in March 2024, had sparked controversy, with critics like Novak Djokovic questioning perceived favoritism. Yet, Sinner’s focus remained unshaken. “It’s an amazing feeling. I waited quite long for this moment,” he told the ATP, emphasizing the value of match feedback after months of practice. His practice sessions with players like Jiri Lehecka and Taylor Fritz, coupled with his mental resilience—admitting to doubts but framing them as passion—underscored his readiness.
Sinner’s return also carried cultural weight, building on his role in Italy’s tennis surge, as seen in the nation’s 2023 and 2024 Davis Cup titles. Facing Francisco Cerundolo next, Sinner’s path to a potential first Rome title is tough, but his historic No. 1 status and home support make him a formidable contender. (Word count: 400)[](https://www.thetennisgazette.com/news/jannik-sinner-does-something-for-the-first-time-in-17-years-after-making-a-winning-return-at-the-italian-open/)
