Unstoppable Sinner Marches Into Rome Semis Ahead of French Open Charge

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner continued his sensational dominance on clay by storming into the semifinals of the Italian Open on Thursday, defeating Russia’s Andrey Rublev 6-2, 6-4 to move within two victories of a historic home triumph in Rome.

The 24-year-old Italian produced another commanding performance at the Foro Italico, extending his ATP Masters 1000 winning streak to a record 32 consecutive matches , surpassing the previous benchmark of 31 set by Novak Djokovic during his legendary 2011 season. The victory further strengthened Sinner’s position as the leading contender for the upcoming French Open , which begins in just 10 days.

Backed by a passionate home crowd inside the packed 10,500-seat Campo Centrale, Sinner once again displayed the precision and composure that have defined his extraordinary season. Fans dressed in his trademark orange filled the stands, while banners reading “Sinner, Make us dream” reflected the growing belief that Italy’s long wait for a men’s champion in Rome could finally end.

No Italian man has lifted the singles trophy at the Italian Open since Adriano Panatta achieved the feat in 1976. In a symbolic moment for Italian tennis, Panatta is expected to present the trophy on Sunday if Sinner captures the title, while Italian President Sergio Mattarella is also scheduled to attend the final.

Sinner seized control early against Rublev by breaking serve in the opening game for the third straight match in the tournament. Apart from a brief lapse late in the second set when Rublev managed to break back, the Italian remained firmly in command despite difficult windy conditions.

“I don't play for records. I play just for my own story,” Sinner said after the match. “Obviously at the same time it means a lot to me.”

The win also extended Sinner’s overall unbeaten run to 27 matches across all tournaments. His last defeat came against Czech teenager Jakub Mensik in the Qatar Open quarterfinals in February.

Having already won titles in Monte Carlo and Madrid this season, Sinner is now chasing the only ATP Masters 1000 trophy missing from his collection. A Rome triumph would make him only the second player after Djokovic to complete the prestigious Career Golden Masters by winning all nine Masters events.

With defending champion Carlos Alcaraz sidelined due to a wrist injury, Sinner’s dominance has made him the overwhelming favorite heading into Roland Garros.

He will next face either former Rome champion Daniil Medvedev or Spanish qualifier Martina Landaluce in the semifinals as he continues his pursuit of a title that could become one of the defining moments in modern Italian tennis history.