Jannik Sinner braced for hostile crowd in Roland Garros opener

The Italian world number one takes on Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech in the French Open first round.

Jannik Sinner wipes his face with a towel — Jannik Sinner returns to grand slam action for the first time after his ban (Andrew Medichini/AP)

Jannik Sinner is braced for a “different” reception from the crowd at the French Open.

The Italian world number one returned from his three-month doping ban to a hero’s welcome on home soil in Rome last week.

But Sinner does not expect the Roland Garros crowd to be quite so cordial when he takes on Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech in round one.

Jannik Sinner waves to the crowd in Rome — Jannik Sinner was given a warm welcome in his home country last week (Andrew Medichini/AP)

“It’s definitely going to be different. I know that,” he said. “But I don’t think they have something against me, no?

“It’s right that they support the players who are from here, who are local here. It’s the same when I play against an American player in the US Open.

“So it’s normal. You know, I got an amazing atmosphere in Rome because I’m Italian. It’s right that the player who plays in this city or country, that they got more support.

“Last year I played against some French players here. So I know a little bit what to expect. It’s a different moment because whatever happened happened. So let’s see.”

Sinner reached the final in Rome, thrashing Madrid winner Casper Ruud 6-0 6-1 on the way, before losing to Carlos Alcaraz.

“For sure it was great, after three months, coming back and making the final,” he added.

“We have seen a couple of things where I can improve, and grand slams are just different. You have to be mentally ready, physically too, trying to use the right energy. It’s all about being consistent and solid. Let’s see if I can do that.”

Alcaraz, the second seed, was supposed to begin his title defence with a first meeting against Kei Nishikori, the 35-year-old former world number four.

But Nishikori has been replaced in the draw by Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri, ranked a lowly 306.

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain, left, and Jannik Sinner of Italy pose for the photographer — Carlos Alcaraz beat Jannik Sinner in the Rome final (Alessandra Tarantino/AP)

Sinner and Alcaraz have a burgeoning rivalry but are yet to meet in a grand slam final.

“Right now I think the people are excited every time that I’m facing Jannik,” said Alcaraz.

“Our matches I think are a really high-quality of tennis. I think for the people and probably the people who doesn’t like watching tennis, I think it’s a match that because of it, (people) started to watch tennis.”