Jannik Sinner Eliminates Casper Ruud To Reach Italian Open Semi-final

 

Jannik Sinner edged closer to claiming his first Masters 1000 title on home soil, eliminating Casper Ruud in the quarter-finals in straight sets, 6-0, 6-1, to reach the Italian Open semifinal. 

It was a masterclass display of skill from the world number one. Ruud was no match for the Italian's tenacity and was quickly outclassed in both sets, having no break advantage, while Sinner converted six break advantages. 

It was the easiest match Sinner had won in this tournament by every standard. The top seed was returning from a three-month suspension over a failed test for a banned substance. Still, he showed no rustiness, outclassing Ruud, who won the Madrid Open earlier this month, confessed he was neatly outclassed by his opponent. 

"Every one of us has one or two opponents where we struggle a bit more," said Sinner. "I was hitting the ball very well. These conditions, playing at night against Casper, are a bit better in my point of view." 

In the semi-finals, Jannik will face American player Tommy Paul, who defeated Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets, 7-6(4), 6-3.