'I feel lighter after so much weight on my shoulders': Jannik Sinner puts painful months behind after Rome breakthrough

Jannik Sinner continues to raise expectations at the Rome Open after his victory against Francisco Cerundolo in the 4th round. The Argentine was one of the most inspired players on clay courts, but he couldn't overcome the world No. 1, who performed better in the critical moments to secure a 7-6(2), 6-3 win.

The Italian is playing his first tournament after a three-month suspension away from the courts and high-level competition. Sinner achieved victories against Mariano Navone (No. 99) and Jesper de Jong (No. 93) in straight sets, but he had not yet faced a high-profile player.

This time it was the Argentine No. 18 Francisco Cerundolo, one of the players with the most wins on clay courts this season and a recent semifinalist at the Madrid Open. The South American played his best tennis but it was not enough against a Sinner who looked much sharper than in his previous two matches and increasingly comfortable on the court.

The 3-time Grand Slam champion secured a great victory against a top-20 opponent and clay-court specialist, which could leave the Italian with very positive feelings. It didn't take him too long to show a high level, and he is already in the quarterfinals of the Rome Open, where he will face 6th seed Casper Ruud.

During the press conference, Sinner was asked if he feels he is leaving behind the tensions of 2024 due to the doping case and the recent months away from the courts and public appearances. "Tennis must continue to be a game. I feel lighter after a year with so much weight on my shoulders.”

“Now I don’t have it anymore,” the 3-time Grand Slam champion added. “There’s no better place to play than on the Centre Court of each tournament. It’s always a great feeling to step onto the court, and all I can do is give my 100%.”

Sinner will return to the court this Thursday to face Casper Ruud (No. 6), who is on a 9-match winning streak after winning the title at the Madrid Open less than two weeks ago. So far, the head-to-head favors the Italian 3-0, although they have never faced each other on clay courts.

Start time (local): Thu, 15 May, 7:00 PM

Start time (your time): Fri, 16 May, 1:00 AM

Court: Campo Centrale

Tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia

Round: Quarterfinal