Jannik Sinner breaks Novak Djokovic record as he storms into Italian Open semi-finals

Last year, Sinner was defeated in the Rome final by Carlos Alcaraz, who is currently sidelined with a right wrist injury, while Jasmine Paolini became the first Italian woman to raise the trophy in 40 years.

Sinner broke serve in the opening game against Rublev, marking the third consecutive match he has done so, and maintained control throughout. Despite a brief lapse when Rublev broke him late in the second set, Sinner quickly regained his composure.

"It was a bit breezy, a bit windy, so it was very tough conditions," Sinner commented. "I felt we both didn’t play at our best today."

Sinner’s remarkable run in Masters events remains unbroken since he retired with cramps in extreme heat against Tallon Griekspoor in Shanghai last October. His overall winning streak across all tournaments now stands at 27 matches, having last been beaten by Jakub Mensik in the Qatar Open quarter-finals on 19 February. He has not dropped a set since his opening match at the Madrid Open.

The Italian is also aiming to become only the second man, after Djokovic, to triumph at all nine Masters events. Djokovic has won each event at least twice, and the Italian Open is the sole Masters title Sinner has yet to claim.

His semi-final opponent will be either the 2023 Rome champion Daniil Medvedev or Spanish qualifier Martina Landaluce, who were scheduled to play later.

In the women’s semi-finals, Coco Gauff is set to face Sorana Cirstea, while Iga Swiatek will play Elina Svitolina.