New Delhi: World number one Jannik Sinner continued his impressive comeback at the 2025 Italian Open, booking his place in the last 16 with a straight-sets victory over Dutchman Jesper de Jong. The 6-4, 6-2 win on Monday marked another step forward in Sinner’s return to competition after a three-month doping ban.
The 23-year-old Italian received tremendous support from the home crowd at Campo Centrale. He had a few shaky moments in the middle of the match but managed to beat De Jong, who was playing at his best-ever ranking of No. 93.
Back to Rome’s last 1️⃣6️⃣ for the first time since 2023 🦊#IBI25 pic.twitter.com/aLFZwrA5dw
— Internazionali BNL d’Italia (@InteBNLdItalia) May 12, 2025
Sinner established a commanding 4-1 lead in the opening set. However, signs of rust began to show as De Jong bounced back, breaking the Italian and levelling the set. But just when momentum seemed to be shifting, Sinner increased his level to break again and close out the set 6-4.
In the second set, Sinner grew into the contest as he dominated from the baseline and dictated points with aggressive returns, eventually pulling away. At 1-3 down and 40-15 in the second set, De Jong slipped and appeared to injure his right wrist. Sinner immediately showed concern, helping his opponent up and handing him a towel. The Dutchman was visibly hampered despite receiving medical treatment, but still completed the match.
Jannik Sinner walks over to check on Jesper De Jong after he fell during their match in Rome.
He brought him a towel, carried his racquet back to his bench for him and dusted the clay off of it.
He is pure class. ❤️🦊
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 12, 2025
The injury setback left De Jong struggling to keep pace while Sinner capitalised, sealing the second set 6-2 in just over 90 minutes.
What next?
The win marks Sinner’s 23rd consecutive victory on the ATP Tour, stretching back to late 2023. That streak was temporarily halted earlier this year due to a three-month doping suspension. Sinner has not dropped a single set since his comeback match against Mariano Navone on Saturday. However, his next challenge comes in the form of Argentine Francisco Cerundolo, a player who knocked him out at the same stage of the Rome Masters in 2023. Cerundolo is in good form himself, having reached the semi-finals in both Munich and Madrid recently.
The Italian also admitted, “He’s playing really well this season. I’ll need to lift my level. It’s a good test and I’m looking forward to it.”
Italy’s hope to end a 49-year wait
Sinner’s dream of becoming the first Italian man since Adriano Panatta in 1976 to lift the trophy in Rome is still alive. With each match, he is not only finding his rhythm but also re-establishing his presence at the top of the men’s game.
In front of his home fans, the energy is electric and if his performances so far are anything to go by, Sinner looks completely ready to rise to the occasion.
Jannik Sinner extends his winning streak with a straight-sets win over Jesper de Jong at the Italian Open, setting up a last-16 clash with Cerundolo. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
