Context:

Iga Swiatek, a three-time champion, was defeated by Danielle Collins in the Italian Open, marking her earliest exit in a major WTA event in nearly four years. Jannik Sinner, returning from a three-month doping ban, faced 99th-ranked Mariano Navone in the Italian Open, attracting significant attention and support from his home crowd. Sinner's suspension was a result of an alleged accidental contamination by a banned substance, with the ban strategically timed to avoid missing any Grand Slams. Despite some criticism from fellow professionals regarding the leniency of his ban, Sinner remains a beloved figure in Italy. Swiatek, known for her dominance on clay courts, is now focused on regaining her form ahead of the French Open, where she has historically excelled, winning four of her five Grand Slam titles there.

Dive Deeper:

• Iga Swiatek lost to Danielle Collins with scores of 6-1, 7-5 in the Italian Open, which is her earliest defeat in a significant WTA event in almost four years, highlighting a surprising dip in her usually strong performance on clay courts.

• Jannik Sinner returned to competitive tennis at the Italian Open following a three-month doping ban, facing Mariano Navone in his first match since winning the Australian Open in January.

• Sinner's doping suspension was the result of an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency after an appeal related to an alleged accidental contamination by an anabolic steroid, which allowed him to return without missing any Grand Slam events.

• Despite the controversy surrounding his doping ban, Sinner remains Italy's most popular athlete, and he received enthusiastic support from the local crowd at the Foro Italico during his return match.

• Swiatek's defeat follows a heavy loss to Coco Gauff in the Madrid Open semifinals, indicating a need for her to regain her form before the French Open begins on May 25.

• Swiatek is known for her exceptional performance at Roland Garros, having won four out of her five Grand Slam titles there, making her preparation for the upcoming French Open crucial.

• The Italian Open serves as a pivotal event for both Swiatek and Sinner, with Swiatek aiming to recover her top clay-court form and Sinner looking to re-establish his presence on the ATP tour post-suspension.