Rome Open ATP Semi-Final Round-up | Jannik Sinner returns to complete the job against Daniil Medvedev for second successive final in Rome

The crowd at the Stadio Centrale were treated to a special treat with the second ATP semi-final at the Rome Open between Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev being moved after its abrupt suspension last night. Sinner was leading, and he was able to see it out to confirm a second final on the spin on home soil, with a maiden title in Rome just one win away after winning 6-2, 5-7, 6-4.

After a dramatic evening in which rain halted proceedings, both players returned to the court to complete their contest with a final on the line. Sinner had led 4-2 with Medvedev serving to go back within a game of the world number one.

The former US Open champion got back within a game before Sinner moved within one game of a second successive Rome final. Match points were missed, but he came back to serve it out for a 28th consecutive win and a 33rd Masters 1000 win in a row. Casper Ruud stands in his way of glory in Rome.

From the start, Sinner looked in control. He dropped just two points in the opening four games enroute to sealing a double break. This had been a regular theme in many of his recent ties. Medvedev eventually got on the board, but he failed to create any opportunities on the Sinner serve, winning just two points as last year’s runner-up sealed the first set in style.

Many of the home fans were hopeful and expectant their player would storm off into the distance. However, the tables turned and Medvedev got back into it. He clinically took his first break point of the match as he sailed into a 3-0 lead. It could have been four if one of the three break points in the fourth game were converted successfully.

Sinner fought back, getting back level at 3-3 with a tiebreak seemingly inevitable. Medvedev made sure it did not go the distance. On the Sinner serve, he again found the breakthrough once more with his third set point and forced a third and deciding set.

This brought to an end of Sinner’s 21-set winning streak. In this incredible 32-match winning streak at Masters 1000 level, he had lost three sets in total. While an unusual experience for him based on prior scenarios, he reacted well. A break put him in the driving seat as he looked to see it out with no trouble.

He would overcome a medical timeout for his knee by consolidating his advantage with a hold. That is when the rain came. Sinner echoed his concern for the slippery surface and got his wish of play being suspended. The players patiently waited for their chance to return to court, but it would not come. Subsequently, they would be forced to return the next day to finish off this enthralling semi-final clash.

Despite threats of rain, the blue sky returned and the sun shone through on Foro Italico to the delight of everyone. Play resumed 4-2 to Sinner with Medvedev serving at advantage-40, over 18 hours after the last point was played. The first point was built up to be a big one in terms of the match, and with one swing of the Russian’s racket, it was finished. A big ace sealed the game as Medvedev closed the gap to just one game.

Sinner responds with a hold to love himself, not showing any of the concerning signs from last night. Medvedev had just one more chance to break but would first have to hold.

The 24-year-old raced into a 15-40 lead and created two match points. Medvedev rebuffed these efforts, winning four points in the spin with some big serving bailing him out at a critical time. This forced Sinner to serve it out. He did it with his third match point. A sixth consecutive Masters 1000 title will be competed tomorrow as he looks to become the second player to win all nine Masters 1000 tournaments.