Jannik Sinner moved into the last 16 of the Italian Open after defeating Alexei Popyrin 6-2, 6-0 in a match lasting just over an hour. The world number one extended his winning streak to 25 consecutive matches, showcasing complete dominance as Popyrin committed 23 unforced errors. Sinner broke serve five times, capitalizing on Popyrin's 48 per cent first-serve success rate.
Sinner will now face Andrea Pellegrino, a 29-year-old qualifier ranked 155th in the world, who defeated 20th seed Frances Tiafoe 7-6 (10/8), 6-1. Before this tournament, Pellegrino had never played in the main draw of a Masters 1000 event. Sinner, 24, is the only player alongside Novak Djokovic to win the first 25 of his season's Masters 1000 matches, Djokovic having reached 31 in 2011.
A victory in Rome would make Sinner the first Italian to win the title since Adriano Panatta in 1975. It would also complete his collection of Masters 1000 titles as he prepares for the French Open. With Carlos Alcaraz injured and Djokovic already eliminated, Sinner is the top contender in the tournament.
In the women's draw, Coco Gauff advanced to the quarter-finals after overcoming Iva Jovic 5-7, 7-5, 6-2. Gauff saved a match point at 5-4 in the second set and later struck herself in the head in frustration. She will next play Mirra Andreeva. Naomi Osaka faces Iga Swiatek later, with Swiatek yet to win a clay title since her fourth French Open triumph in 2024.
Sinner insists Popyrin's low first-serve percentage helped, yet he still dismantled a top-60 player in under 70 minutes while facing no break points. Pellegrino, ranked 155th, has never played a Masters 1000 main draw before and now must face the world number one. For Italian tennis fans, Sinner's flawless run offers a rare shot at a historic home title — one that has eluded the country for 50 years. The absence of Alcaraz and Djokovic from contention makes Sinner's path clearer, but not easier — pressure now sits entirely on him to deliver.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
