World number 1 Yannick Sinner has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Rome Masters tennis tournament, BNR reported.
The Italian passed his first major test since returning to the court after a three-month doping ban, defeating experienced clay-court player Francesco Cerundolo 7:6 (2), 6:3. Sinner struggled in the first set after a tiebreak, but found his rhythm in the second and finished the match 6-3 after a total of 2 hours and 18 minutes of play.
This is Sinner's first tournament since winning his third Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January, and he has not dropped a set in his three matches so far in Rome.
"Today I felt like I raised my level. It was a very long day... But I need it. I'm happy to be back. I was out for three months, so in any situation for me I feel very happy to be here, very happy,", Sinner commented after the match.
The defending champion in Rome and second in the standings Alexander Zverev also reached the quarterfinals with a straight-set victory over Frenchman Arthur Fiss 7-6(3), 6-1.