Sinner does not slow down: he matches the legend and dreams of Rome
World number one Jannik Sinner continues to write his own story. This Tuesday, the Italian beat his compatriot Andrea Pellegrino 6-2, 6-3 and reached the quarterfinals of the Italian Open. But the news is not just about the pass: Sinner equaled Novak Djokovic’s record with 31 consecutive victories in Masters 1000 tournaments.
How did he do it? Simple: he has not lost a Masters duel since October, when he retired due to cramps in Shanghai. Djokovic achieved that mark in 2011. “If you want to be a great player, you have to play on all surfaces to the maximum,” Sinner said. “It is the mind that makes the difference.”
The owner of the house
Sinner controlled the match from the start, breaking Pellegrino’s serve in the first game. The 29-year-old Italian, who had just qualified, could not match the power and precision of the number one. Sinner improved his record to 19-0 against other Italians.
If he lifts the trophy in Rome, he will be the second man, after Djokovic, to win all nine Masters tournaments. And with Carlos Alcaraz out due to injury, the path seems clear.
“It’s time to take the title from Adriano,” read a sign at the Foro Italico, remembering Adriano Panatta, the last Italian to win in Rome, 50 years ago. Panatta will present the trophy on Sunday.
Gauff remains firm; Jódar, the new jewel
In the women’s division, Coco Gauff reached the semifinals for the third consecutive year after beating Mirra Andreeva 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. The American, runner-up last year, is preparing to defend her title at Roland Garros.
Her next rival: Sorana Cirstea, 36, who eliminated Jelena Ostapenko. “I always said that there is no expiration date for ambition and dreams,” said the Romanian, who plans to retire at the end of the year.
On the men’s side, 19-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jódar defeated the American Learner Tien 6-1, 6-4. He is only the second teenager, after Rafael Nadal in 2005, to reach the quarterfinals in Madrid and Rome in the same season. Jódar will face Luciano Darderi, who surprised Alexander Zverev.
What’s coming
Sinner will face Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinals. The Russian came back to beat Nikoloz Basilashvili. In addition, Casper Ruud beat Lorenzo Musetti and will face Karen Khachanov.
In doubles, defending champion Jasmine Paolini withdrew with a foot problem. But the excitement continues in Rome: Sinner goes for the record and the title. Does anyone stop him?
