Top-ranked Jannik Sinner passed a big test in his return from a three-month doping ban, beating accomplished clay-court player Francisco Cerundolo 7-6 (2), 6-3 on Tuesday to reach the Italian Open quarterfinals.

World number one Jannik Sinner said the support and friendship he received from Jack Draper during his three-month ban for a doping violation gave him the positive energy he needed to make it through a difficult period.

Jannik Sinner is still regaining his focus on the tennis court after his three-month doping ban. The world No. 1 overcame a brief lapse during the first set of a 6-4, 6-2 victory over No. 93 Dutch qualifier Jesper De Jong in his second match back on tour in front of his home crowd at the Italian Open on Monday.