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Jannik Sinner powered into the Italian Open semi-finals on Thursday with a crushing 6-0, 6-1 victory over Casper Ruud, while Coco Gauff fought through a gruelling three-set encounter against China’s Zheng Qinwen to reach the women’s final.
Sinner’s clinical performance against Ruud marked his strongest showing since returning from a three-month doping suspension. The 23-year-old Italian dismantled the sixth seed in just over an hour on the packed centre court, leaving the home crowd cheering Ruud’s rare points almost out of sympathy.
“I felt great out there today,” said Sinner. “I served well, returned well and moved well. Very positive signs for me.”
Ruud, who had been in good form on clay after winning in Madrid, described playing Sinner as facing “a wall shooting balls at you all the time.”
Meanwhile, American Gauff edged out Zheng 7-6 (7/3), 4-6, 7-6 (7/4) in a match lasting over three and a half hours. Gauff will face Italian Jasmine Paolini on Saturday in a final that promises a lively atmosphere after a quiet crowd witnessed much of Sinner’s dominant display.
Paolini, 29, who defeated Peyton Stearns 7-5, 6-1, is aiming to be the first Italian woman to win the Rome title since 1985. She also has a chance to claim the doubles crown alongside partner Sara Errani.
“It’s a privilege to be here. I matured late as a player, but I’m enjoying this moment,” said Paolini.
Sinner’s semi-final opponent will be Tommy Paul, who beat Hubert Hurkacz 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, while Carlos Alcaraz will face Lorenzo Musetti in the other men’s semi-final, setting up a potential blockbuster final.
