Sinner finishes off Medvedev to reach Rome final

Jannik Sinner came back out on Saturday after a rain interruption the previous night and played four more games to complete a 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 win over Daniil Medvedev to back up his final here a year ago at his home Rome Masters.

The semi-final match was halted by rain on Friday night, with Sinner looking decidedly fragile, appearing ill and requiring a trainer’s visit to massage a right thigh concern

The victory sends the world No. 1 into Sunday’s title match against Casper Ruud, who comfortably booked his place on Friday.

Sinner hammered the Norwegian the last time they played in Rome, listing just one game.

The Italian saved two match points in the ninth game of the final set, with Medvedev holding for 4-5.

Sinner finished off the win in less than 19 minutes, firing a cross-court winner to complete the two-part contest.

Should he win on Sunday he will become the first man to ever win five straight Masters 1000 titles.

The top seed said he spent a restless night.

“I never struggle to get to sleep at night but last night was not easy, 

“Late in the third set with the match nearly done, there are always nerves when you start a match. You never know what can happen.”

But the drama was all forgotten. “I’m happy how I handled the situation<

 Sinner said. “Tomorrow will be a tough day

“Casper is playing much better than when I beat him here. I’m happy to stand again in the final.

“This is a special tournament for me and for Italians, I’m very happy with how I handled the situation.

“I’m glad this match is finally over, it was a very long one.”

He added: “If the final goes well, great. If not then I’ll still be very happy – final of a Masters is still an amazing result.”

Sinner lost the Rome final a year ago to Carlos Alcaraz.

During his second-set low point on Friday night in heavy, humid conditions, Sinner looked distressed during a sit-down, gasping at his midsection and showing a shaky hand as he drank and breathing heavily.

Sinner won his 10th match from 17 played against Medvedev, a former Rome champion and one-time world No. 1.

Main photo:- Jannik Sinner celebrates – by ATPTour.com