Jannik Sinner equaled Novak Djokovic's record of consecutive wins in ATP Masters 1000 matches after defeating Alexei Popyrin 6-2, 6-0 in the third round of the 2026 Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome.
Playing in their second match in Rome, Sinner immediately appeared aggressive by breaking Popyrin's serve in the opening game.
"I felt like the wind was blowing in my direction," said Sinner, who only made one unforced error on a backhand, as quoted on the ATP website.
The Italian wowed the home crowd with his powerful drop shots and power shots that gave him a 3-1 lead in four meetings with his opponent.
"I didn't have to change my strategy much, but at the same time, when I was going against the wind, I tried to hit the ball a little flatter," Sinner said.
Sinner was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz in the Italian Open final twelve months ago.
Having reached the fourth round, Sinner would become the second man, along with Djokovic, to complete the Career Golden Masters -- winning all nine Masters 1000 tournaments -- since the series began in 1990 if he lifts the trophy this weekend.
