Sinner is the star in Rome

Jannik Sinner (above) is the star of the show at the upcoming Rome Open as the world No 1 and Italian tennis hero gears up for his return to the courts after a contested doping ban.

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Milan - Jannik Sinner (above) is the star of the show at the upcoming Rome Open as the world No 1 and Italian tennis hero gears up for his return to the courts after a contested doping ban.

Away from the game since agreeing a suspension with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in February, Sinner was welcomed back to action this week by thousands of fans who watched his first training session at the tournament on centre court at the Foro Italico.

Such is the interest in Sinner, who has become a national hero in Italy since rising to the top of the men's game, that Sky Sport broadcast the practice match with world No 38 Jiri Lehecka live on television.