Italy’s Genk Sinner (AP Photo)
The Janek junior continued his relentless rise on Thursday with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Andrei Rublev to reach the Italian Open semifinals and break a long-standing record. Novak Djokovic.The world No. 1’s latest straight-sets win at Rome marked his 32nd consecutive victory at ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, eclipsing Djokovic’s record of 31 sets during his dominant 2011 season. It’s the latest sign that Sinner has become the man to beat on the tour heading into the clay-court majors.The record falls as the sinner’s power turns on.Sner barely looked troubled against Rublev, who became his first seeded opponent in the tournament. In the opening game of both sets, the Italian broke serve and never let the Russian get a set.Rublev struggled with the windy conditions at the Foro Italico and made 28 unforced errors, while Sinner showed his trademark composure under pressure. A stunning cross-court drop shot in the second set highlighted his control as he cruised into the final four.“I don’t play for the record, I just play for my story,” Sinner said after the match. “At the same time, it means a lot to me, but tomorrow is another day, another opponent.”The 24-year-old also admitted that the situation was far from ideal. “I felt we both didn’t perform at our best today, but the conditions here are very tough. I tried to adapt as best I could.”Rom title is now available.With Carlos Alcaraz out injured, Senor has emerged as the overwhelming favorite to win the Rome crown and become the first Italian in five decades to win the title.He is expected to face Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals, provided he overcomes 2023 champion Martin Landaus.The run has only increased the expectations going forward. French Openwhere Sunner can challenge for a first Roland Garros title and move closer to a career Grand Slam.
