Jannik Sinner matched Novak Djokovic's record winning streak at Masters 1000 tournaments with his 31st consecutive victory, advancing to the quarter-finals at the Italian Open. The home favourite eased past qualifier Andrea Pellegrino 6-2, 6-3 at the Foro Italico.
Sinner's Dominant Run
Sinner had already set a new benchmark by winning a fifth straight Masters title in Madrid last weekend. He now aims to secure all nine top-level ATP Masters titles, a feat only currently accomplished by Djokovic. The world No. 1 has dropped just two sets since his last loss to Jakub Mensik in February.
Zverev's Frustration
Second seed Alexander Zverev was stunned by 18th seed Luciano Darderi, who rallied from a set and 5-3 down, saving four match points to triumph 1-6, 7-6 (10), 6-0. Zverev criticised the court conditions, telling reporters: "I think this is the worst court I've ever played on. Juniors, professional, futures, practice—I never played on a court where the quality is that bad. I have match point and the ball jumps over my head. I have break point, the ball rolls."
Teen Sensation Jodar
Darderi will next face 19-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar, who continued his breakout season by becoming the first teenager to reach the men's quarter-finals in Rome since Djokovic in 2007. Jodar defeated Learner Tien 6-1, 6-4, while Casper Ruup upset Italian eighth seed Lorenzo Musetti.
Women's Quarter-Finals
In the women's draw, Romanian veteran Sorana Cirstea, who earlier upset world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, continued her impressive run with a 6-1, 7-6 (0) victory over Jelena Ostapenko.
