Sinner steps further into record territory

Jannik Sinner wrapped up a spot in his first final in Madrid on Friday and extended his Masters 1000 win streak to 27 matches.

The world No. 1 was on fire in an 86-minute defeat of Frenchman Arthur Fils, with the 6-2, 6-4 scoreline moving him to one more match win of claiming titles at an unprecedented five Masters events in a row.

The Italian’s streak in the elite ATP series began with an indoor trophy last November in Paris and has continued this season with more of the same at Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo a month ago.

Sinner dispatched Fils on his first match point after breaking in the previous game with an explosive backhand winner down the line to cap a 24-shot rally.

“In the first set I tried to play very aggressive,” Sinner said. “I was feeling very comfortable in the returns.”In the second set he served better and it was more difficult for me. But I’m happy in general with the performance today, I’m trying to play the best tennis that I can.”

The Italian called his showing “a good day at the office.”

I’m happy that I played him, winning means a lot to me. I tried to play in the best possible way

Sinner will face off in Sunday’s final in the Spanish capital against either two-time champion Alexander Zverev, seeded third, or Belgian outsider Alexander Blockx.