Jannik Sinner is just two wins away from securing his sixth straight ATP Masters 1000 title, following another strong performance in Rome.
Sinner dispatched Andrey Rublev in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, to reach the semifinals of the Italian Open.
The world number one also moved past Novak Djokovic for the most consecutive match wins at ATP Masters 1000 events, now up to a remarkable 32.
Sinner also joined Rafael Nadal as the only players to reach the semifinals at all of the first five Masters tournaments in a single season.
And while it was another straight-sets win for Sinner, there were moments when he wasn't at his best during that second set.
Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images
Sinner's first-serve percentage dropped to 39% during the second set, opening the door for Rublev to make a push.
While the Russian did manage to break serve, he couldn't do enough to turn things around.
Sinner appeared to be flagging late in the match but reassured everyone afterwards that there's no cause for concern.
"I'm going to be all right," Sinner said when asked about any issues. "It's normal that one day in the tournament you are slightly tired. I played a lot also. It has been very long days for me."
Despite not looking at his sharpest, he was pleased with how he handled it: "But look, I'm happy how I end the situation. We try to keep going."
Sinner didn't seem too caught up in surpassing Djokovic's run, making it clear that records aren't what drive him.
He later expanded on those thoughts in his press conference: "I think I'm already writing my own story in any case. I feel like if things are not going well, I still did something great for myself in a way.
"I would have never imagined to stand here as the player what I'm right now. Back in the days when I was younger, I never thought I would arrive to such a high level of tennis. Now I'm here. The perspective is obviously different.
"Mostly people think that I was fair play and a good person. This goes for me much more on top of everything. Underneath there is the level what I have produced hopefully for the rest of my career. I'm very, very solid player. That's it, no? Nothing crazy."
Sinner is set to face either Daniil Medvedev or Martin Landaluce next, with a place in the Italian Open final on the line.
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