The 2026 Italian Open semifinals promise to be historic. On the ATP side, Jannik Sinner has the chance to break the all-time record for consecutive Masters 1000 victories, currently shared with Novak Djokovic at 31 wins. Facing Andrey Rublev in Thursday's quarterfinal, the world number one is targeting a 32nd consecutive win. A victory would make him the sole record holder.
Sinner's streak dates back to the Paris Masters last November. Since then, the Italian has claimed five consecutive Masters 1000 titles, dropping just two sets across 62 matches at this level. He is also attempting to become only the second player after Djokovic to complete the Career Golden Masters by winning all nine events in the category.
On the other side of the men's draw, Casper Ruud and Luciano Darderi will meet in an unexpected clash. Ruud returns to the top 20 after his win over Khachanov, while Darderi plays his first Masters 1000 semifinal after his epic comeback against Zverev.
On the WTA side, Iga Swiatek versus Elina Svitolina promises a striking clash of styles. Swiatek dispatched Jessica Pegula 6-1, 6-2 in 68 minutes without facing a break point. Svitolina arrives energized after her stunning comeback against Elena Rybakina, saving 16 break points to win 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in two hours and 23 minutes.
The Ukrainian reaches the Rome last four for the first time since winning the title in 2018. Two former Foro Italico champions going head to head in what feels like a final before the final.
In the other WTA semifinal, Coco Gauff faces Sorana Cirstea, the 36-year-old who stunned world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the third round. Gauff, the third seed, needed five match points to close out Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinals, winning 4-6, 6-2, 6-4.
An exceptional lineup awaits at the Foro Italico on Thursday and Friday. (ATP Tour, WTA, Olympics.com)
