ROME : World number one Jannik Sinner moved to within two games of the Italian Open final before heavy rain suspended his semi-final against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev on Friday, with the Italian leading 6-2 5-7 4-2.
Sinner looked dominant early on at the Foro Italico, storming through the opening set in just over 30 minutes while losing only two points on serve.
Medvedev, however, raised his level in the second set and capitalised on signs of physical discomfort from Sinner to become the first player to take a set off the top seed during the tournament.
The Italian quickly regained control in the decider, breaking early to delight the home crowd on Campo Centrale despite requiring a medical timeout after appearing to struggle with cramping.
Play was eventually halted as heavy rain swept across Rome, with organisers later confirming the match would resume on Saturday.
Sinner is bidding for a sixth consecutive Masters 1000 title after recent victories in Paris, Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo and Madrid. The Rome crown is the only Masters 1000 title missing from his collection.
The winner of the suspended semi-final will face Norway’s Casper Ruud in Sunday’s final after the Norwegian eased past Italy’s Luciano Darderi 6-1 6-1.
Ruud reached his first Rome final by taking advantage of a fatigued Darderi, who had come through a marathon quarter-final earlier in the week.
The 23rd seed is chasing his second Masters 1000 title after winning the Madrid Open last year.
