“I’m building my own story”: Jannik Sinner one victory from matching all-time Masters 1000 streak

Jannik Sinner claimed another straightforward victory at the Rome Open and continues at a superlative level, after reaching his 30th consecutive win in a Masters 1000 main draw. The world No. 1 dismantled Alexei Popyrin 6-2, 6-0 in just 65 minutes, increasing his statistics and equalling Novak Djokovic as second on the all-time list.

It is now 30 consecutive wins in tournaments of this category, a streak Sinner has been building since the Paris Masters 2025. Since then, he has won five Masters 1000 titles and is chasing a sixth consecutive one in Rome.

“I’m just focused on the choices I make on court. The result is a consequence. I try to control what I can control, and the rest I try to adapt to,” the world No. 1 said after the match to the Italian press. “Every day is different. Every player plays differently, so you need to prepare the match well. Mentally you need to be fully present. If you are not, it becomes very difficult to get out of those situations.”

The Italian is preparing to return to court in two days — on Wednesday — in a special local showdown. He will face a surprise of the tournament: local qualifier Andrea Pellegrino, who defeated Frances Tiafoe in the third round to advance.

Sinner continues stretching his numbers — not only by collecting wins, but also by dismantling opponents. Popyrin — a former Masters 1000 champion himself — could do little against the power of the local favourite, who won seven games in a row before closing out the victory.

There are now 30 consecutive wins for the Italian, having also dropped only two sets in that period. He is tied with Djokovic for his second-longest streak ever at this level, only behind Nole’s record of 31, and ahead of Federer (29), Nadal (23) and Pete Sampras (19).

“I’m happy. What they have done for 15 years in a row is incredible. I’m building my own story for myself and for my team,” Sinner said regarding comparisons with the greatest legends of the game. “We’re happy to be in this position. I’m going through a very positive period, but that’s not why I play tennis. I play to improve myself and enjoy myself on court. Playing in Rome is a beautiful emotion, and then everything else comes.”

If he defeats Pellegrino in the fourth round, Sinner will reach Djokovic’s 31 consecutive Masters 1000 wins. Although his Masters run has drawn attention, he has also shown consistency in Grand Slams, winning 38 of his last 41 matches at majors, where he has claimed three titles, reached two finals (both defeats to Alcaraz), and reached the Australian Open semifinals this year, where he lost to Djokovic.

The four-time major champion compared the pressure of Masters 1000 tournaments and Grand Slams, although he acknowledged that the majors carry greater stress due to their format. “Grand Slams are more stressful because they are longer, but the situation here is very different.”

“You come from Madrid, where conditions are fast, and then you come to Rome or Paris where conditions are difficult. Today there was also wind, so it’s not easy to play good tennis, but that’s normal. Every tournament has its challenges. You cannot always be at your best.”

The Italian is now just one win away from equalling the longest winning streak in Masters 1000 history and continues to consolidate his dominance at this level. He is also aiming to become only the second player ever to win all nine Masters 1000 tournaments at least once. The only one missing from his resume is the Italian Open — a milestone he could achieve this week if he maintains his current level.