Another Italian victim for Sinner

Jannik Sinner won his 19th straight match against a fellow Italian, with the World No.1 made to work by qualifying surprise Andrea Pellegrino in a fourth round struggle at the Rome Masters.

He last lost to a countryman in 2021.

The home derby – with an Italian in the chair ended with a 6-2, 6-3 win for Sinner, who now stands three victories away from another ATP record.

The 24 year-old would become the first to win five consecutive Masters in success should he lift the title on Sunday at the Foro Italico.

THe top seed took a 4-0 lead before his 29 year old opponent ranked 155th could react.

Pellegrino drew cheers as he finally got on the board for 1-4 but eventually fell after 43 minutes as Sinner converted on the first of three set points.

The second set went the way of the top seed, with Pellegrino losing his final two service gaes to take the loss.

“it’s always nerves to play another Italian sinner said after booking his third Rome quarter Final.

I’ very happy at the outcome, nut at the same time I’m very happy for Andrea.

“This was a good match fro both of us. The wind made it not easy, but I’m happy how I handled the situation.

I wish Andrea only the best.

I’ve got a day off tomorrow and hopefully ready with the quarters”

Sinner extended his current win streak to 26 matches, equalling the longesst of his career and tying Novak Djokovic on a record on a record 31 straight victories in Masters 1000 tournaments.

He becomes the second Italian an to reach three Rome quarter-finals in the open era after Adriano Panatta (5)