Sinner had previously been cleared of any wrongdoing by an independent panel after testing positive for the banned substance clostebol in March 2024.

Wada lodged an appeal against that decision with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, saying at the time it was seeking a “period of ineligibility of between one and two years.”

Wada ultimately entered into negotiations with Sinner’s legal team having come to the conclusion a ban of that length would constitute an “unduly harsh sanction.”

Some players have been critical of the length and timing of Sinner’s ban.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka posted he does not “believe in a clean sport any more” while 2022 Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios said fairness in tennis “does not exist”.

Sinner’s news conference took place just after he had arrived on site for the first time, allowing for little interaction with other players.

His answers instead focused on the Italian Open, which he considers a “very low expectation tournament”.

He also would not be drawn on if he was surprised neither Alexander Zverev or Carlos Alcaraz had overtaken him at the top of the world rankings in his absence.

“I am happy in the position I am but I would be happy even if I’m three or four in the world,” Sinner said.

“I’m just happy to be back here – I’m happy to play again in front of the fans, and I have a goal in front of my eyes.”