Jannik Sinner leads Daniil Medvedev as rain halts Italian Open semi-final
World number one Jannik Sinner holds a narrow advantage over Daniil Medvedev in a deciding set before rain forced the suspension of their compelling Italian Open semi-final.
The 24-year-old leaned heavily on his racquet for support and required a medical timeout for thigh treatment during a gruelling third set.
Despite these obvious physical issues, the top seed carved out a 6-2 5-7 4-2 lead before deteriorating weather pushed the match’s conclusion to Saturday.
Momentum swings in Rome
The home favourite initially looked poised to steamroller his opponent after imperiously racing into a 4-0 advantage to secure the opening set.
However, the resilient Russian capitalised on a noticeable drop in Sinner’s energy levels to establish a commanding 3-0 lead in the second set.
Sinner displayed tremendous grit to hold a lengthy fourth game, briefly preventing the match from slipping further away before breaking back.
Medvedev maintained relentless pressure and eventually converted a crucial break point while the Italian served to stay in the set.
This pivotal break marked the first dropped set for the world number one in this year’s tournament.
Record in sight as rain falls
Aiming to extend his remarkable record of ATP Masters 1000 victories to 33, Sinner dug deep to secure a vital break in the third game of the decider.
A long backhand from his opponent prompted a passionate roar from the Italian, but the looming storm ultimately halted proceedings.
In the opposite side of the draw, Casper Ruud emphatically booked his place in a maiden Italian Open final.
The Norwegian outclassed local hope Luciano Darderi with a comprehensive 6-1 6-1 triumph in another rain-interrupted encounter.
Speaking after his victory, Norway’s Ruud highlighted the importance of his tournament pedigree against a less experienced opponent.
“It’s my 10th semi-final I think in a Masters 1000 and it was his first so you try to use that experience to your advantage and I think I did that well today.”
Casper Ruud
“He was maybe a little bit stressed, a little bit nervous of the occasion, but I tried to stay focused and kind of in my own tunnel vision.”
