Jannik Sinner breaks Novak Djokovic Masters record with another Rome masterclass

The world No 1, who is chasing his maiden title at the prestigious clay-court event in Rome, prevailed 6-2, 6-4 against Rublev at the Foro Italico on Thursday.

Sinner now stands alone as the man with the most successive Masters 1000 match wins, with his victory over Rublev taking his winning streak at this category of event to a staggering 32.

The Italian has moved clear of tennis legend Novak Djokovic, who he had joined on 31 wins with his fourth-round triumph against Andrea Pellegrino in Rome.

Asked about breaking Djokovic's record, Sinner said: "You know, it's tough to say because I don't play for records, I play just for my own story.

"Obviously, at the same time, it means a lot to me."

Despite the scoreline, it wasn't straightforward for Sinner. Serving at 4-1 in the second set, Sinner was broken for the first time across his four matches in Rome, and he looked less imperious than he had early in the match despite sealing the win in convincing fashion. He also appeared to be suffering from pain in his left leg. However, Sinner played it down post-match.

"I'm going to be all right," he claimed.

"It's normal that one day in the tournament you are slightly tired. I played a lot also. It has been very long days for me. But look, I'm happy how I ended the situation. We try to keep going."

Sinner will face Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals after the Russian came back from a set down to overcome 20-year-old Martin Landaluce.

"He played unreal at the beginning," Medvedev said of Landaluce.

"If he plays like he did in the first set of every match, he will be top five by the end of the year, in Turin⦠When you're young, it's tough to play a full match like this, so I just fought. I'm happy that I managed to seal the victory."

Sinner leads their head-to-head 9-7 and has won the last four matches against Medvedev.

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