Jannik Sinner's first opponent since ban speaks out on Italian's lengthy suspension

All the details of Jannik Sinner’s comeback match have been confirmed. The world No. 1 is back on tour after serving a three-month suspension as part of a case-resolution agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency, and he returns on home soil at the Italian Open.

Sinner will take to the main Campo Centrale court in Rome at 7pm local time on Saturday, where he faces Mariano Navone. The Argentine is well aware that all eyes will be on their match and, ahead of their highly anticipated showdown, he had his say on Sinner’s recent ban.

The three-time Grand Slam champion was found to have bore no fault or negligence after he twice tested positive for the prohibited substance clostebol last year, arguing that the substance unknowingly entered his body via massages from his then-physiotherapist.

But WADA appealed the no-fault ruling on the basis that Sinner should bear some responsibility for any team members’ negligence.

In February, they reached a case-resolution agreement, and the Italian served a three-month suspension that ended on May 4.

Since returning at the Foro Italico this week, Sinner has admitted that the reaction to his ban has been mixed.

“At the start of the suspension I received some surprising messages from some players, whereas there were others who I would have expected to hear from that didn’t send anything,” he said.

Navone has now had his say on Sinner’s absence from the tour, telling Tennis.com that the Italian’s suspension was “not my problem” and admitting he felt no ill will towards the world No. 1.

However, the current world No. 99 - who was ranked inside the top 30 less than a year ago - believes he has a better chance in Saturday night’s match, given that Sinner has been unable to compete.

“Now he’s a normal player. He stopped, he completed his suspension, and it’s really safe,” Navone said.

“He took some time. Three months is time. It’s tough to be out for three months, but he completed his suspension and that’s it.”

The Argentine is still well aware that Sinner is the favourite but he’s relishing the opportunity to face the top seed in his home tournament.

He added: “It’s like a challenge. It’s not often you have the chance to play against the No. 1 player in the world. So, it’s special for me.

“It would be the biggest victory of my career. But for sure, it’s challenge and I have to take it like that for me and my game. He stopped three months ago and this is his first match, so it’s not easy for him either.”