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Lorenzo Sonego Roland Garros
ATP Tennis Players, Tennis News

Home favourite Lorenzo Sonego stuns Andrey Rublev in Rome


Italian star Lorenzo Sonego upset Andrey Rublev to reach his first ever Masters 1000 semi-final in front of his home crowd.

The 26-year-old was outplayed in the first set in Rome before battling back to beat the Russian 3-6 6-4 6-3 in two hours and 35 minutes.

Buoyed by a passionate home crowd on Grant Stand Arena, the Italian saved 11 of the 13 break points he faced to overcome the World No 7 and book a semi-final meeting with five-time champion Novak Djokovic.

“This is my favourite tournament in the world, I’m with my people here,” Sonego said. “I am so happy for this because I played every point. I’m really happy.”

Sonego will play his second match of the day as he faces Djokovic for a place in the championship match. The World No 1 rallied from a set and a break down to defeat Stefanos Tsitsipas 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 in a two-day encounter on Centre Court.

“It’s a very emotional moment for me, playing in the semi-finals with Novak,” Sonego said. “He’s an unbelievable player. He’s the best in the world. I want to do my best.”

Lorenzo Sonego owns a 1-0 record against the 36-time Masters 1000 champion after thrashing the Serbian 6-2, 6-1 to reach last year’s semi-final in Vienna.

Whoever prevails in the semi-final will face either nine time champion Rafael Nadal or surprise package Reilly Opelka, who is yet to lose his serve in Rome this week.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.