Jannik Sinner matches Rafael Nadal’s unique Masters 1000 record after Rome Open QF win

Jannik Sinner continues to rewrite the history books during the Rome Open. Following his quarterfinal victory over Andrey Rublev, the Italian broke Novak Djokovic’s record for the longest winning streak in Masters 1000 history with 32 consecutive wins, while also equaling a unique record held by Rafael Nadal.

With his 6-2, 6-4 victory over Rublev, Sinner became only the second player to reach the semifinals at the first five Masters 1000 events of a season, a feat Nadal achieved in 2010 and 2011.

Sinner is now preparing to face Daniil Medvedev on Friday, May 15, as he hunts for a spot in the grand final, where he could potentially face Luciano Darderi or Casper Ruud. The World No. 1 is in pursuit of his first title in Rome, aiming to become the second Italian player to win the tournament since Adriano Panatta in 1976.

Sinner chasing Djokovic’s Career Golden Masters record

The World No. 1 is currently displaying an incredible level of play, having not lost a match since February 19, when he fell to Jakub Mensik in the Qatar Open final. Now, Sinner is moving closer to lifting his first Rome Masters title, which would allow him to continue setting new benchmarks.

Jannik Sinner celebrates after defeating Andrey Rublev. (Getty Images)

If the Italian is crowned champion, he would become the first player to win six Masters 1000 titles in a row since the format began in 1990. Furthermore, with a victory, Sinner would achieve the Career Golden Masters—winning all nine Masters 1000 tournaments at least once—becoming only the second player in history to accomplish this feat after Djokovic (2018, 2020).

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Sinner doesn’t play for the records

Following the victory over Rublev, the Italian noted in his press conference that he does not play to break records, but simply to write his own history.

“I don’t play for records,” Sinner said, according to the ATP website. “I play for my own story. At the same time, it means a lot to me. But tomorrow is another day, a different opponent, different conditions… Emotionally, it takes a lot playing here at home. But at the same time, I definitely try to do my best. It was a good day today”.