Jannik Sinner advanced to the semi-finals of the Italian Open on Thursday after defeating Andrey Rublev in straight sets and setting a new record for consecutive victories in Masters 1000 tournaments.
The world number one cruised to a 6-2, 6-4 win over the Russian, extending his unbeaten run in ATP Masters 1000 events to 32 matches — surpassing the previous record of 31 set by Novak Djokovic in 2011.
“I don’t play for records, I play for my own journey,” Sinner said after the match.
“At the same time, it means a lot to me. But tomorrow is another day, another opponent, and a different challenge.”
Rublev became the first seeded player Sinner has faced at this year’s tournament in Rome, but the Italian barely broke stride in front of an enthusiastic home crowd on centre court.
Sinner is now expected to face Daniil Medvedev in Friday’s semi-final, provided the 2023 Rome champion overcomes lucky loser Martin Landaluce in the evening session.
With chief rival Carlos Alcaraz sidelined through injury, Sinner has emerged as the overwhelming favourite to become the first Italian man in 50 years to win the Italian Open. His dominant form has also fuelled growing expectations ahead of the French Open, where he could challenge for a career Grand Slam title.
Rublev offered little resistance throughout the contest, losing serve in the opening game of both sets and finishing with 28 unforced errors.
Sinner, meanwhile, produced moments of brilliance, including a stunning cross-court drop shot that helped him secure a decisive second-set break for a 4-1 lead.
“I don’t think either of us played our best tennis today, but the conditions were difficult,” Sinner said, referring to the windy and unpredictable weather in Rome.
“I tried to adapt as best as possible, and obviously I’m happy with the result.”
Swiatek targets first final of the season
Later on Thursday, Iga Swiatek will attempt to reach her first final of the year when she faces Elina Svitolina in the last match on centre court.
The six-time Grand Slam champion has endured an inconsistent run on clay since winning the most recent of her four French Open titles two years ago, but she appears to have rediscovered her form in Rome.
After battling through her second-round clash with Caty McNally, Swiatek has dropped only seven games across her last three matches.
The 24-year-old recently added Francisco Roig — former coach of Rafael Nadal — to her team following a difficult start to the season.
Swiatek reached the quarter-finals in Stuttgart in April before withdrawing from the Madrid Open due to a viral infection.
If she overcomes Svitolina, the Polish star could face reigning French Open champion Coco Gauff in the final. Gauff is scheduled to play veteran Sorana Cirstea later on Thursd
