Jannik Sinner delivered one of the most dominant performances of his career to crush Casper Ruud 6-0, 6-1 and reach the semi-finals of the Italian Open. The top-ranked player in the world produced a ruthless display under the lights in Rome, needing just 62 minutes to dismantle the sixth seed in front of a raucous home crowd.
Forty-six minutes into the match, Ruud managed to win his first game and raised his arms in mock celebration. That solitary game was all he could muster as Sinner delivered a masterclass in every aspect of the sport. The win marked Sinner’s first ever appearance in the semi-finals of Italy’s biggest tennis tournament and brought him two victories away from claiming the title, which would be a remarkable feat given his recent return from a three-month anti-doping suspension.
Next up for the Italian is a semi-final clash against 11th seed Tommy Paul on Friday. Despite the magnitude of the occasion, Sinner remained grounded, emphasizing the unpredictability of the sport and his commitment to preparing thoroughly for each opponent.
Sinner’s intensity wasn’t limited to the court. On his rest day, he began by visiting Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, presenting the newly elected pontiff with a tennis racket. Later, he attended Bologna’s Coppa Italia triumph over Milan at the Stadio Olimpico. Reflecting on the surreal experience of meeting the pope, Sinner described it as deeply emotional and unforgettable, especially with his parents in attendance.
Facing Ruud, the Madrid Open champion and arguably the most in-form player on tour, Sinner delivered a level of tennis that left spectators and opponents alike in awe. From the opening point, he struck the ball with incredible power and precision, showcasing not just his signature backhand but an equally destructive forehand. Ruud was left chasing shadows as Sinner redirected shots at will and consistently found impossible angles with ease.
Ruud, overwhelmed by the sheer quality of play, was gracious in defeat. He admitted the performance was one of the best he had ever witnessed on the other side of the net, describing the sensation of playing against Sinner as facing “a wall that shoots 100mph balls” continuously. He likened Sinner’s game to having “two backhands,” such was the ferocity from both wings.
The stats reflected the one-sided nature of the match. Sinner broke Ruud’s serve repeatedly, gave up just a handful of points in the first set, and barely allowed any opportunity for the Norwegian to build rhythm. Even in the rare moments when Ruud seemed to be gaining control, Sinner effortlessly turned defence into attack with stunning counters and delicate touch.
Despite the heavy loss, Ruud managed to find a silver lining in the spectacle, calling it “almost fun to witness” and praising the extraordinary level of tennis Sinner had produced. His only regret was not being able to deliver a more competitive match for the fans.
The Italian’s stunning win capped a memorable day for Italian tennis. Lorenzo Musetti upset second seed Alexander Zverev to book his place in the semi-finals alongside Carlos Alcaraz, while Jasmine Paolini became the first Italian woman to reach the Rome final since 2014 after defeating Peyton Stearns 7-5, 6-1.
With the home crowd firmly behind him and his confidence soaring, Sinner now finds himself within touching distance of an unforgettable triumph in Rome.
