Jannik Sinner 'doubts' future chances after returning from 3-month doping ban

The drought is finally over.

Jannik Sinner, the world number 1, has returned to the tour in his home country.

He earned an opening round win 6-3, 6-4 over Mariano Navone and was interviewed after the match. 

Sinner addressed his performance and some the difficulties he's faced returning from a three-month absence.

“Of course. It's normal to have doubts. Would be strange to not have any doubts. Would sound very arrogant, no?" Sinner said. "I have doubts. I had doubts before going on court today. I have doubts now what's going to happen in the next match."

It sounds like the best player in the world is battling his mind as he reintegrates into a routine with tournaments and high-level competition. The French Open begins in two weeks and Wimbledon comes later this summer. 

"I have doubts. I had doubts before going on court today. I have doubts now what's going to happen in the next match."

But Sinner's performance on the court told a different story. One of determination and spirit. 

MORE: Carlos Alcaraz sends message to Jannik Sinner before world no. 1's return from doping ban

Sinner went on to explain that the doubts are just a biproduct of his passion for the game.

"We have to live with doubts because it means that you really care, that you want to improve, that you want to show yourself, that you want to do something special," Sinner said. "Yeah, so I believe every one of us has daily doubts, so yeah.”

Doubts or not, Sinner returned to full form and looked to be in shape for some of the biggest tour events of the year. 

He acknowledged that he will have doubts moving forward, but it seems the world's best player can manage those emotions and still be elite.