According to The Guardian, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner has advanced to the semi-finals of the Italian Open, making history by breaking Novak Djokovic’s long-standing record for consecutive victories at ATP Masters 1000 tournaments.
Sinner secured his spot in the final four at the Foro Italico with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 quarter-final win over Andrey Rublev. The victory marked Sinner’s 32nd straight win in Masters 1000 events, surpassing Djokovic’s previous record of 31 consecutive victories set in 2011.
Despite the historic achievement, Sinner downplayed the significance of the record immediately after his match. “I don’t play for records, I play just for my own story,” he stated on court. “At the same time, it means a lot to me, but tomorrow is another day, another opponent, a different opponent.”
Dominant performance against Rublev
The quarter-final clash saw Sinner face his first seeded opponent of the tournament in Rome. Rublev struggled to find his rhythm in the changeable, windy conditions, committing 28 unforced errors across the 18 games. Sinner, meanwhile, adapted effectively to the challenging weather. “I felt like we both didn’t play at our best today,” Sinner commented, “but at the same time, you know, the conditions here are very tough. I tried to adapt myself in the best possible way, and obviously I’m happy.”
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Sinner’s dominant performance sets up a semi-final encounter against either Daniil Medvedev, the defending Italian Open champion from 2023, or Martin Landaluce.
Chasing history in Rome
Sinner’s run in Rome carries significant weight, as he aims to become the first Italian man in nearly five decades to lift the singles trophy at the Italian Open. The last Italian male to achieve this feat was Adriano Panatta in 1976. The pressure is amplified by the absence of Carlos Alcaraz, who is out injured, making Sinner a heavy favorite for the title. Last year, Sinner lost to Alcaraz in the Rome final, a memory he will undoubtedly be keen to erase.
Beyond the Italian Open, Sinner also has a career Grand Slam within reach at the upcoming French Open, adding another layer of anticipation to his already remarkable season.
Sources: www.theguardian.com
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