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.

The Italian served a three-month doping ban shortly after defending his Australian Open title in January and looked close to his best in a run to the Rome final on his return this month but faced some stern questions from local hope Rinderknech.

Jannik Sinner will play another Frenchman, Richard Gasquet, in the next round and said:

"It doesn't get any better. I'm very happy to be in this position. I know where he is in his position.

“He gave so much to this sport. I am very happy to share a court with him. I know you are going to support him.

“It's OK. I know that, I'm just happy to share a court with him so let's see."

"All good. I cannot speak French, I'm sorry guys.

"First-round matches are never easy. I'm very happy with how I handled the situation, especially in the third set. I want to thank everyone who came out and being so fair to me too. I know he's a French player but I felt very appreciated.

"I have some very special guys up there. Gian, [Gianluigi Donnarumma] thank you for coming. He's the best goalkeeper you have guys so thanks guys.

"I'm just trying to focus on my side. I missed a couple of my shots. I try to learn how he moves a little bit. But I tried to gain confidence again. He made a couple of mistakes when he was serving for the set so that gave me some help. But I just tried to have the right mindset and attitude. The next match will be very special."

Sinner is so good. He’s relentless and calm and composed.

Rinderknech in comparison was a combustive force of nature who is trying to power his way to winning a set.

A drop shot forces Sinner to a backtracking lob which goes long. 15-15.

Rinderknech then misses out on a return of serve.

Sinner powers a forehand winner past the Frenchman and he’s got a couple of match points. The crowd goes wild again to throw him off his game.

It doesn’t work! Sinner serves out wide and he has a straight set win in the first round.

Rinderknech is faltering. He argues with the referee over a potential ace which is called out.

The Frenchman then lands one on the chalk line in the next rally and draws level at 15-15.

Two more points traded. 30-30.

A body serve puts Rinderknech into the lead but a slightly overhit forehand makes it deuce.

This is tense. Rinderknech needs this you feel if he is to win the set.

A double fault gives Sinner a break point. He would win a fourth game in a row if he takes it...

... he does! Rinderknech misses an overhead smash and Sinner leads in the third set. He’s serving for the match.

That last game show how hard it is against the top, top players.

Sinner was out of the set at 5-2 down but now it is back on serve and he has a chance to draw level.

All is not lost for Rinderknech if he can break the Italian here.

Sinner holds to love. He might have his mojo well and truly back.

Can Arthur Rinderknech take this match into a fourth set?

He starts off by finding the net with a mishit backhand. Sinner calmly celebrates the point.

A super serve-and-volley then get Rinderknech on the board.

An ace follows an error from the Frenchman to bring the game level at 30-30.

Rinderknech attempts the serve-and-volley again but goes wide this time and Sinner has a break point.

He takes it! Wow.

How does Sinner play it from here?

He needs to win five games in a row to take the match and Rinderknech is in top form.

Well first up is a solid hold of serve.

Big game this one. If Sinner wins the third set is back on serve.

Rinderknech begins with an ace to settle things down. Sinner then fails to return the next serve. 30-0.

An excellent body serve brings him another point and this is the type of game he needed.

Sinner goes long and Rinderknech holds.

There is a loud groan as Rinderknech, who takes the lead in the game, pushes a forehand long.

He then comes up to the net and volleys a backhand into the tape giving away a point he should have won.

More aggression from the Frenchman and more mistakes.

There’s a nervous pressure descending on the court and the crowd feel it.

Sinner holds serve.