When Jannik Sinner’s opponent in the French Open’s third round finally won a single game, the Court Suzanne-Lenglen crowd responded with a standing ovation.

Jannik Sinner navigated mild turbulence for a winning return to Grand Slam tennis as the world number one launched his hunt for a maiden French Open trophy with a 6-4 6-3 7-5 first-round victory over Arthur Rinderknech on Monday.