Defending champion Jannik Sinner said he was “happy” with the reception he received from the crowd after making a winning return to the Australian Open amid his ongoing doping case.

World number one Sinner, who claimed his first major title in Melbourne last year, was competing at the tournament for the first time since he failed two doping tests in March.

The 23-year-old Italian, whose doping case will be heard at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) in April, began his campaign with a 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 win over Chile’s Nicolas Jarry.

“I was curious to see how it was. You never know what’s happening,” Sinner said of the reception on Rod Laver Arena.

“I was happy about the crowd. It was a very nice crowd. There were some for my opponent and some for me. It was a nice atmosphere.

“I was just looking forward to go on court. This is what I practice for. I’m trying to compete in the best possible way.”