London [UK], May 15: Jannik Sinner has broken Novak Djokovic's record of consecutive Masters 1000 wins by beating Andrey Rublev at the Italian Open in Rome.
World number one Sinner triumphed 6-2, 6-4 against the Russian 12th seed to reach the semi-finals with his 32nd straight match win at a Masters event.
The Italian made history in Madrid last week by becoming the first player to win five consecutive Masters titles after his victories in Paris, Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo.
Sinner, bidding to become the first male home winner in Rome since 1976, said on court: "I don't play for records. I play for my own story.
"At the same time, it means a lot for me. 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."
Sinner's latest victory, in an hour and 32 minutes, meant he equalled Rafael Nadal's record of reaching the semi-finals at the first five Masters tournaments of a season.
If the 24-year-old claims the title he will join Djokovic as only the second player to complete the career "Golden Masters" winning all nine events.
In the women's event, Coco Gauff ended the memorable run of Sorana Cirstea with a 6-4, 6-3 victory in the semi-finals.
Romanian Cirstea, 36, plans to retire at the end of the year but is having the best season of her career and defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka earlier in the tournament.
Gauff has had a roller-coaster week and was a break down early on but fought back well to reach her second WTA 1000 final of the year as she chases a first title in 2026.
The American, who lost to Jasmine Paolini in the final 12 months ago, said: "I'm just happy to be through in straight sets today, it's been a marathon week. I'm really happy to be back here in the final."
Source: Qatar Tribune