Jannik Sinner equals Masters record as Alexander Zverev crashes out in Rome
World number one Jannik Sinner equalled Novak Djokovic’s record of 31 consecutive Masters 1000 victories by reaching the Italian Open quarter-finals, while second seed Alexander Zverev suffered a shock defeat.
The home favourite comfortably dispatched Italian qualifier Andrea Pellegrino 6-2 6-3 at the Foro Italico.
The top seed has already set a new benchmark by winning a fifth straight Masters tournament in Madrid last weekend.
He is now bidding to become only the second player in history to win all nine current Masters 1000 events on the ATP Tour.
The dominant Italian has dropped merely two sets since suffering his most recent defeat against Jakub Mensik in February.
Zverev blasts ‘worst court ever’
While the world number one flourished, Germany’s second seed collapsed to a remarkable defeat against 18th seed Luciano Darderi.
The Italian underdog fought back from a set and 5-3 down, saving four match points to triumph 1-6 7-6 (10) 6-0.
The vanquished Olympic champion was furious with the playing conditions in the Italian capital following his dramatic exit.
I think this is the worst court I’ve ever played on.
Juniors, professional, futures, practice, I never played on a court where the court quality is that bad. I have match point and the ball jumps over my head. I have break point, the ball rolls.
Jodar achieves rare teenage milestone
Darderi advances to face 19-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar, who continued his stunning breakout season by dispatching Learner Tien 6-1 6-4.
The rising star becomes the first teenager to reach the men’s quarter-finals in Rome since Djokovic achieved the feat in 2007.
Elsewhere in the men’s draw, Norwegian specialist Casper Ruud eliminated Italian eighth seed Lorenzo Musetti in a notable upset.
In the women’s tournament, veteran Romanian Sorana Cirstea maintained her excellent form to reach the semi-finals.
The unseeded competitor, who previously eliminated world number one Aryna Sabalenka, comfortably defeated Jelena Ostapenko 6-1 7-6 (0).