Sinner storms ahead as skies clear in Rome

Jannik Sinner fulfilled expectations with a whirlwind performance on Monday to book the fourth round of his home Rome Masters, dismissing Australian Alexei Popyrin 6-2, 6-0.

The match played under sunny skies after a weekend of rain interruptions was still marred by wind, which forced strategic changes from the top seed.

“It was a one-way wind, when it is with you, you try to move the ball around.

“I’m very proud of my performance in these tricky conditions. He’s a big server but was off today and that helped me a bit.

“I’m extremely happy to be in the fourth round.”

The world No. 1 lengthened his win streak to 25 consecutive Tour matches as he bids to become the first man to ever lift titles at five consecutive Masters events; that particular streak now stands at 30 straight victories dating to the Paris Indoors last November.

Australians seem to be a favoured Sinner matchup, with the Italian having defeated 29 straight since losing to James Duckworth at Cincinnati in August, 2021.

Sinner established a 5-1 lead in the opening set before claiming it two games laer. The top seed carried his momentum into the second set,.

He increased the pressure, winning 12 of 14 points to earn a 2-0 lead and barely broke sweat with a 65-minute victory performance. 

Sinner next faces inspired Italian qualifier Andrea Pellegrino, who beat Frances Tiafoe 7-6 (8), 6-1 on the Foro Italico’s Campo Centrale.