Jannik Sinner is now two wins away from a sixth consecutive ATP Masters 1000 title after his latest win in Rome.
Sinner defeated Andrey Rublev in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, to book his place in the semifinals of his home tournament, the Italian Open.
The world number one surpassed Novak Djokovic for the most consecutive match wins at ATP Masters 1000 competitions, having now clinched 32 in a row.
Jannik Sinner is now a bigger favorite to win Roland Garros than Rafael Nadal ever was
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He also joined Rafael Nadal in an exclusive club, becoming the second man to reach the final four at all of the first five Masters events in a season.
While it was another win without conceding a set for Sinner, the Italian wasn’t quite his dominant self in the second set.
Jannik Sinner reveals how he’s feeling physically after win in Rome
Rublev was almost allowed back into the contest in the second set, during which Sinner recorded a first-serve percentage of 39%.
The Russian earned his first break of serve in the match in set two, but ultimately could not capitalise on the opportunity.
Sinner was visibly fatigued towards the latter stages of the match, but confirmed there is nothing to worry about during his press conference.
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Asked about his physical struggles in the second set, the four-time major champion said: “I’m going to be all right.
“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 end the situation. We try to keep going.”
Jannik Sinner addresses breaking Novak Djokovic’s record
When addressing surpassing Djokovic’s streak in his post-match interview, Sinner said he does not play for records.
He followed up on his comments in his press conference, stating: “I think I’m already writing my own story in any case.
“I feel like if things are not going well, I still did something great for myself in a way.
“I would have never imagined to stand here as the player what I’m right now. Back in the days when I was younger, I never thought I would arrive to such a high level of tennis. Now I’m here. The perspective is obviously different.
“Mostly people think that I was fair play and a good person. This goes for me much more on top of everything. Underneath there is the level what I have produced hopefully for the rest of my career. I’m very, very solid player. That’s it, no? Nothing crazy.”
Sinner will take on either Daniil Medvedev or Martin Landaluce in the semifinals of the Italian Open.
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