Jannik Sinner breaks Masters 1000 winning record to reach Italian Open semi-finals
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner continued his remarkable dominance on clay after defeating Andrey Rublev in straight sets to book a place in the semi-finals of the Italian Open.
The Italian star produced another composed display at the Foro Italico, securing a 6-2, 6-4 victory that also saw him establish a new ATP Masters 1000 record for consecutive wins.
Sinner surpasses Djokovic’s Masters 1000 record
With the victory in Rome, Sinner extended his winning streak in ATP Masters 1000 events to 32 matches, surpassing the previous record of 31 set by Novak Djokovic during the 2011 season.
Despite the milestone, the Italian insisted his focus remains firmly on improving his own game rather than chasing records.
“I don’t play for records, I play just for my own story,” Sinner said after the match.
“At the same time, it means a lot to me, but tomorrow is another day, another opponent.”
The 24-year-old looked in control throughout the contest, breaking Rublev’s serve early in both sets and capitalising on the Russian’s inconsistency.
Rublev struggled to cope with the windy conditions and committed 28 unforced errors during the match, while Sinner maintained his trademark composure from the baseline.
Sinner emerging as favourite for Rome title
Sinner’s performance further strengthened his status as the leading contender to win the Italian Open, especially with Carlos Alcaraz sidelined through injury.
The Italian has now moved within touching distance of becoming the first home player in nearly 50 years to lift the Rome title, a feat that would further boost expectations ahead of the upcoming French Open.
One of the standout moments of the quarter-final came midway through the second set when Sinner produced a delicate cross-court drop shot to secure another crucial break and open a commanding 4-1 lead.
Speaking about the difficult playing conditions, Sinner acknowledged that adapting quickly had been key to his success.
“The conditions here are very tough,” he explained. “I tried to adapt myself in the best possible way, and obviously I’m happy.”
Semi-final clash looms
Sinner is expected to face Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals if the Russian overcomes Spain’s Martin Landaluce.
Medvedev, the 2023 Rome champion, remains one of the few players with the experience and tactical discipline capable of testing Sinner’s current dominance on tour.
With confidence surging and records continuing to fall, Sinner’s bid for a first Italian Open crown is gathering serious momentum.
SportsLigue
