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Jannik Sinner delivered a clinical performance in front of a passionate home crowd as he powered past Casper Ruud in straight sets to book his place in the semi-finals of the Italian Open. In what was expected to be a tightly contested clash, the Italian showed remarkable control and precision from the baseline, dictating rallies and keeping Ruud constantly on the defensive. Sinner took the first set 6-0 after breaking Ruud’s serve on multiple occasions and carried the momentum into the second, where he tightened his grip and closed it out at 6-1.
From the outset, Sinner looked composed and focused, capitalizing on his excellent return game and using his powerful groundstrokes to move Ruud around the court. Ruud, a clay-court specialist known for his stamina and shot tolerance, struggled to find his rhythm under the weight of Sinner’s relentless pressure. The Norwegian attempted to vary the tempo with drop shots and net approaches, but Sinner’s court coverage and anticipation proved too much. With the home crowd roaring in support, Sinner sealed the win in just under two hours, cementing his position as one of the tournament favorites.
Jannik Sinner gets 26th consecutive win on tour after dominant display against Casper Rudd
Following the match, Ruud was gracious in defeat and praised Sinner’s current form. “Jannik is playing incredible tennis right now. He’s confident, aggressive, and hardly gives you anything to work with. I tried to change up the tactics, but he always seemed to be one step ahead. It’s tough to lose, but against someone playing at that level, you have to give credit,” Ruud said. Sinner’s victory over Ruud marked his 26th consecutive match win on tour, an extraordinary run that reflects his consistency and growth over the past few months.
The streak, which includes titles in Rotterdam, Miami, and Monte Carlo, underscores his rapid ascent in the ATP rankings and establishes him as one of the most in-form players on the circuit. With this win, Sinner becomes the first Italian man to reach the semi-finals of the Italian Open in over a decade, and he’ll now set his sights on clinching the title on home soil as he continues his red-hot streak.
