Sinner Ruthless Against Ruud to Reach Rome Semifinals

Nothing could stop Jannik Sinner today. The world No. 1, playing his fourth match since returning to competition, made quick work of Casper Ruud, defeating him 6-0, 6-1 in just 63 minutes.

After victories against Navone, De Jong, and Cerundolo, Sinner faced Ruud on Thursday, the Madrid champion. While the Norwegian could have relied on his clay-court experience, he was simply outclassed on Rome’s center court.

The world No. 1 needed only 28 minutes to claim the first set 6-0. Brilliant in rallies, he overwhelmed Ruud, who won just six points in the entire set.

The tennis masterclass continued in the second set, with Sinner securing an early break. Ruud had to wait until the ninth game of the match to finally hold serve, saving double-break points along the way.

Outplayed in every aspect of the game, the world No. 7 never found his rhythm. Sinner, meanwhile, delivered a flawless performance: 22 winners to just 10 unforced errors, a 78% first-serve points won rate, and six breaks converted out of nine opportunities.

With confidence, the Italian now advances to the tournament semifinals for the first time in his career. He will face Tommy Paul, who earlier defeated Hubert Hurkacz.