In a performance that felt more like a highlight reel than a quarterfinal match, top-ranked Jannik Sinner swept past Casper Ruud 6-0, 6-1 at the Italian Open in Rome. Just a day after meeting the tennis-playing pope at the Vatican, Sinner looked unstoppable on the clay.
Back in action after a three-month doping ban, the Italian star produced 22 winners and dropped only 10 unforced errors, winning 55 of 77 points in 63 minutes. His aggressive overheads and deadly baseline accuracy left Ruud – fresh off a Madrid title – scrambling for answers.
“I was feeling great on court today,” Sinner said. “How I felt today was very, very positive signs for me.” Ruud managed a single game early in set two, eliciting a brief cheer and a rare smile from the Norwegian, who now trails 0-4 against Sinner in their careers.
Stat Spotlight: Sinner’s 25-match winning streak, dating back to October, extends as he eyes his next challenge – American Tommy Paul. Paul, who beat Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(4), 6-3, praised Sinner’s power.
“It’s as if he hasn’t been away for any time,” Paul said. “His great virtue is power and consistency; he deserves to be world No.1.”
With his third Grand Slam title already in the bag and a private papal blessing in tow, Sinner is on a collision course with the Rome trophy – and global tennis history.
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Jannik Sinner routs Casper Ruud to reach Italian Open semifinals
cgtn.com
