The settlement in the doping case was made in February, after WADA appealed a decision last year by the International Tennis Integrity Agency to fully exonerate Sinner for what it deemed to be an accidental contamination by a banned anabolic steroid in March, 2024.

His appearance at the Italian Open marks the first tournament he's played at since winning the Australian Open for a second time in January. Sinner admitted during his media availability on Monday that it may take him some time to recognize where he's at competitively after his time away from tennis.

Despite missing out on three months' action, the 23-year-old was assured of retaining the top ranking for his home tournament.