Sinner sets Masters 1000 record, beats Rublev to reach Italian Open semifinals

Jannik Sinner added a record to a routine-looking win on Thursday in Rome. The world No. 1 beat Andrey Rublev 6-2, 6-4 in the Italian Open quarterfinals at Foro Italico, moving into the semifinals and extending his ATP Masters 1000 winning streak to 32 matches. ATP Tour records show that total moved him past Novak Djokovic’s previous mark of 31 straight Masters 1000 wins, set in 2011. The official Rome order of play listed the match at 1 hour, 31 minutes on Campo Centrale. The result kept Sinner on course for a first Rome title after he finished runner-up at the event last year. ATP Tour said the 24-year-old has now reached the semifinals at the first five Masters 1000 events of the 2026 season, matching a feat previously achieved by Rafael Nadal in 2010 and 2011. ### How did Sinner take control against Rublev? (atptour.com) Sinner broke early and took the first set 6-2 as Rublev struggled to hold the baseline exchanges. The ATP Tour said Sinner produced a “commanding all-court performance” and used his heavier, more consistent ball to control the match. The second set was tighter. ATP Tour reported that Sinner let a 4-1 lead narrow and was broken for the first time in the tournament, but still closed out the match in straight sets. (atptour.com) The Rome tournament site recorded the final score as 6-2, 6-4. ### What exactly is the Masters 1000 record he broke? The number was 32. ATP Tour said Sinner’s win over Rublev gave him a 32nd consecutive victory at Masters 1000 level, surpassing Djokovic’s run of 31 from 2011. (atptour.com) Olympics.com, citing Reuters photography from the match, also reported that Sinner became the first man to win 32 straight singles matches at ATP Masters 1000 events. The streak spans the end of 2025 and the first part of 2026. ATP Tour said Sinner won Paris last season and then took the Masters 1000 titles in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo and Madrid this year before arriving in Rome. ### What did Sinner say after the match? “He’s a very dangerous player,” Sinner said of Rublev, according to ATP Tour. “When he plays at his highest level, he’s very tough to beat.” (atptour.com) “I felt like we both didn’t play at our best today, but the conditions are very tough here,” Sinner said. “So, I tried to adapt myself in the best possible way. (atptour.com) I’m obviously very happy. It’s a very special tournament for me.” ATP Tour also quoted Sinner saying, “I don’t play for records,” after the match. (atptour.com) ### Who is waiting for him in the semifinal? Daniil Medvedev earned the other semifinal spot later Thursday. ATP Tour said Medvedev came from a set down to beat lucky loser Martin Landaluce 1-6, 6-4, 7-5 in 2 hours, 22 minutes and set up a meeting with Sinner. (atptour.com) The ATP Tour’s head-to-head listing in its match report said Sinner leads Medvedev 9-7. (atptour.com) Medvedev, a former Rome champion, reached the semifinals in the Italian capital for the first time since his 2023 title run, ATP Tour said. ### What comes next in Rome? Friday, May 15, is the next step for Sinner at Foro Italico. The Italian Open schedule page is the official source for the semifinal order of play, and ATP Tour confirmed that Medvedev is the next opponent for a place in the championship match. (atptour.com) (internazionalibnlditalia.com)