Jannik Sinner on fire: Andrey Rublev routed in one-sided Roland Garros showdown

Jannik Sinner swept aside Andrey Rublev, continuing his dream run for the Roland Garros title. The world No. 1 secured a remarkable 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 victory to reach the quarterfinals for the second consecutive year, boosting his clay-court swing record to 9-1.

Since his return, the Italian has been practically unstoppable and is shaping up – perhaps – as the only player who can dethrone Alcaraz. Another crushing victory against a high-profile opponent leaves him with good feelings heading into his next match against Alexander Bublik.

The start of the match wasn't ideal for Sinner; just as he began to find his rhythm, he faced two break points against him, which he nevertheless managed to save. From the return game onwards, everything turned to Sinner's control. He secured two consecutive breaks and, with his serve, asserted his dominance to lead 5-0. The Italian had a stretch in the set, from the second game, where he won 16 of 18 points to reach 5-0.

With a clear advantage, both in score and play, Sinner had another break chance – and the possibility of a bagel set – but Rublev managed to hold a service game for the first time. It did little good for the Russian, who eventually conceded the set 6-1, with Rublev accumulating 12 unforced errors compared to his opponent's mere 3.

Things didn't change much at the start of the second set. Although Rublev managed to hold his service game for the second consecutive time – starting with a 1-1 score – it was Sinner who once again put him on the ropes by securing a break, and then extending his lead to 3-1 with his serve. Sinner had won 20 consecutive points on his serve since the first set, most of them without Rublev even being able to maintain a long rally.

Slowly, the Russian began to find more consistency on serve, improving his first-serve effectiveness (from 50% to 76%). However, he still struggled significantly whenever he had to rely on his second serve. Nevertheless, he managed to hold serve without facing any break points, but Sinner remained impeccable when it was his turn to serve, ultimately taking the set 6-3, conceding only three points on his serve.

Nevertheless, the third set won't be easy for Sinner. While he maintained his serving efficiency, this time he couldn't break his opponent's serve. Rublev showed resilience, staying neck and neck with the Italian, and was the first to get a break opportunity in the set (with the score at 2-2). Unfortunately for the Russian, he couldn't convert it.

Everything remained even with both players holding their service games. However, in the moment of greatest tension, it was Sinner who hit the accelerator. He converted his first break point of the set – which was also a match point – and secured his passage to the quarterfinals with a 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 victory, once again showcasing great tennis that barely exceeded two hours.

The three-time Grand Slam champion will face his next challenge against the surprising Alexander Bublik, who has already defeated two top-10 players on his way: Alex de Minaur (No. 9) in the second round and then Jack Draper (No. 5) in the fourth round.