Jannik Sinner has once again shown why he sits atop the world rankings, defeating Francisco Cerundolo 7-6, 6-3 to advance to the quarterfinals of the Italian Open. With Lorenzo Musetti also through (pending the resumption of his rain-delayed match against Daniil Medvedev), Italy celebrates a historic moment: two homegrown players in the Rome quarterfinals for the first time since 1984.
Cerundolo posed a serious threat, entering the match with a strong clay-court season under his belt — 18 wins, a final in Buenos Aires, and a semifinal run in Madrid. Notably, he had defeated Sinner in Rome just last year. But this time, Sinner was a different player, mentally sharper and technically cleaner.
Originally scheduled for late afternoon, the match was delayed by rain until 7:30 p.m. While waiting, Sinner lightened the mood by playing bocce with his team in the corridor. Once play began, he came out firing, creating multiple break opportunities but converting only one early on. Cerundolo fought back in a grueling 16-minute game to level the score. Both players struggled with footing due to damp conditions, and the first set was a rollercoaster. It was the tiebreak that proved decisive — Sinner stayed composed and clinical, cruising to a 7-2 win.
Sinner powers into Rome last 16, Paolini reaches quarterfinals as home hopes rise
12 May - 19:15 •
1' min
The second set saw Sinner take a medical timeout for blisters, but it didn’t slow him down. He broke for a 3-1 lead, and although Cerundolo managed to get one break back, the Italian held firm. He saved two break points at 5-3 before closing out the match with authority.
It’s Sinner’s third straight win in Rome without dropping a set and extends his personal winning streak to 24 matches dating back to last October.
