Jannik Sinner defeated Andrey Rublev, 6-2, 6-4, in the quarter-finals of the Italian Open.
The Italian delivered another fine performance in front of his home fans, securing the win in straight sets.
Could a combination of Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Joao Fonseca, and Alex de Minaur beat Jannik Sinner?
He's just too good!
After the match, Sinner outlined the one improvement he’s made that has helped him win ‘big’ titles on clay this year.
Jannik Sinner says he has improved ‘physically’ as he begins to dominate on clay
During his post-match press conference, Sinner was asked to explain the changes he’s made on clay this year.
“No, I think we don’t need to look only at the results. I think also last year I played great clay court tennis,” he said.
“Made final here. Made the final in Paris. It has been an incredible run last year.
Jannik Sinner on clay in 2025 (11-2)
- Italian Open 2R [WIN] vs Mariano Navone, 6-3, 6-4
- Italian Open 3R [WIN] vs Jesper De Jong, 6-4, 6-2
- Italian Open 4R [WIN] vs Francisco Cerundolo, 7-6, 6-3
- Italian Open QF [WIN] vs Casper Ruud, 6-0, 6-1
- Italian Open SF [WIN] vs Tommy Paul, 1-6, 6-0, 6-3
- Italian Open F [LOSS] vs Carlos Alcaraz, 6-7, 1-6
- French Open 1R [WIN] vs Arthur Rinderknech, 6-4, 6-3, 7-5
- French Open 2R [WIN] vs Richard Gasquet, 6-3, 6-0, 6-4
- French Open 3R [WIN] vs Jiri Lehecka, 6-0, 6-1, 6-2
- French Open 4R [WIN] vs Andrey Rublev, 6-1, 6-3, 6-4
- French Open QF [WIN] vs Alexander Bublik, 6-1, 7-5, 6-0
- French Open SF [WIN] vs Novak Djokovic, 6-4, 7-5, 7-6
- French Open F [LOSS] vs Carlos Alcaraz, 6-4, 7-6, 4-6, 6-7, 6-7
“This year, the first time I’ve won something big on clay.
Jannik Sinner on clay in 2026 (15-0)
- Monte Carlo Masters 2R [WIN] vs Ugo Humbert, 6-3, 6-0
- Monte Carlo Masters 3R [WIN] vs Tomas Machac, 6-1, 6-7, 6-3
- Monte Carlo Masters QF [WIN] vs Felix Auger-Aliassime, 6-3, 6-4
- Monte Carlo Masters SF [WIN] vs Alexander Zverev, 6-1, 6-4
- Monte Carlo Masters F [WIN] vs Carlos Alcaraz, 7-6, 6-3
- Madrid Open 2R [WIN] vs Benjamin Bonzi, 6-7, 6-1, 6-4
- Madrid Open 3R [WIN] vs Elmer Moller, 6-2, 6-3
- Madrid Open 4R [WIN] vs Cameron Norrie, 6-2, 7-5
- Madrid Open QF [WIN] vs Rafael Jodar, 6-2, 7-6
- Madrid Open SF [WIN] vs Arthur Fils, 6-2, 6-4
- Madrid Open F [WIN] vs Alexander Zverev, 6-1, 6-2
- Italian Open 2R [WIN] vs Sebastian Ofner, 6-3, 6-4
- Italian Open 3R [WIN] vs Alexei Popyrin, 6-2, 6-0
- Italian Open 4R [WIN] vs Andrea Pellegrino, 6-2, 6-3
- Italian Open QF [WIN] vs Andrey Rublev, 6-2, 6-4
“But this is also the confidence of the process that we are trying to produce year after year.
“Also, physically, I’m getting stronger.
“I think it’s a mix of everything.
“That experience, to play certain points in a better way, yeah, but mostly I feel like physically if you improve, it helps you a lot on clay.”
Sinner’s physicality is often questioned, but has improved this year.
However, he didn’t look 100% fit during the last few games of his quarter-final win over Rublev…
Who will Jannik Sinner play next in Rome?
Beating Rublev in the quarter-finals, Sinner can now focus on recovering for his semi-final match.
Jannik Sinner vs Andrey Rublev – Match stats
| Stats | Jannik Sinner | Andrey Rublev |
| Aces | 4 | 1 |
| Double faults | 2 | 0 |
| 1st Serve % | 49% | 54% |
| Win % on 1st Serve | 75% | 50% |
| Win % on 2nd Serve | 63% | 56% |
| Break points | 4/5 | 1/3 |
There, he will play Martin Landaluce or Daniil Medvedev.
Sinner would be the favourite in either match-up, but it shouldn’t be forgotten that Medvedev is a former champion in Rome.
The Russian won the title in 2023 and is always a threat, even on his weakest surface.
Only time will tell who Sinner will play in the semi-finals, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action.
Medvedev will play Landaluce in the quarter-finals on Thursday, May 14, with the winner taking on Sinner in the semi-finals on Friday, May 15.
