Italy's Jannik Sinner made history at the Italian Open on Thursday, defeating Andrey Rublev to reach the semifinals and breaking Novak Djokovic's record for the most consecutive Masters 1000 wins. Sinner's 32nd straight victory in the elite ATP category surpassed Djokovic's 31-match streak, cementing his status as one of the sport's rising stars.
A Record-Breaking Performance
The 24-year-old Italian, playing in front of a passionate home crowd in Rome, showcased his trademark power and precision to overcome Rublev in straight sets. The match, which lasted just over two hours, saw Sinner dominate from the baseline, hitting 25 winners and committing only 12 unforced errors. His victory extends his remarkable run in Masters events, a streak that began in August 2025.
Surpassing a Legend
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion and five-time Italian Open winner, had held the record since 2015. Sinner's achievement is particularly impressive given the Serbian's dominance on clay courts. After the match, Sinner acknowledged the significance of the milestone. "Breaking Novak's record is something special. He is a legend of our sport, and to achieve this in Rome, in front of these fans, is incredible," he said.
Road to the Final
Sinner will now face either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals. The Italian has been in formidable form throughout the tournament, dropping just one set en route to the last four. His improved serve and mental resilience have been key factors in his recent success, drawing praise from analysts and former players.
Rublev's Reaction
Rublev, who has struggled with consistency this season, was gracious in defeat. "Jannik played at an incredible level today. He deserves the record. I will learn from this match and come back stronger," the Russian said after the match.
Italian Tennis on the Rise
Sinner's achievement is a major boost for Italian tennis, which has seen a resurgence in recent years with players like Matteo Berrettini and Lorenzo Musetti also making deep runs in major tournaments. The Italian Open, one of the most prestigious clay-court events, has provided a fitting stage for Sinner's historic moment.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Sinner to see if he can extend his streak and claim his first Italian Open title. A victory would further solidify his position among the world's elite and add another chapter to his remarkable career.
