Rome Masters: Sinner Into Quarters, Darderi Stuns Zverev for Career-Best Win

Sinner marches on in Rome

Jannik Sinner cruised past Andrea Pellegrino 6-2, 6-3 to reach the Rome quarter-finals and match Novak Djokovic’s 31-match Masters 1000 win streak. Alexander Zverev was upset by Luciano Darderi 1-6, 7-6(10), 6-0, leaving Sinner as the clear favorite for the title.

With rivals out, the world No. 1 is in control as he chases a first Italian Open title and a record sixth straight Masters 1000 crown...

Jannik Sinner’s push for a first Rome title rolled on Tuesday as the world No. 1 brushed past fellow Italian Andrea Pellegrino 6-2, 6-3. Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev was stunned by home favorite Luciano Darderi.

The second-seeded German lost 1-6, 7-6(10), 6-0, fading badly in the decider as the crowd got behind 18th seed Darderi. 

As expected, top seed Sinner was too strong for qualifier Pellegrino on centre court, controlling a match that was never really in doubt.

The 24-year-old has now won 31 consecutive Masters 1000 matches, matching Novak Djokovic’s record streak.

“I'm very happy about the outcome, but at the same time, I'm very happy for him. I know he's working very hard,” said Sinner of Pellegrino.

"Tomorrow, a day off is important for me, trying to rest, and then hopefully I'm ready for quarters.”

Reaching the last 16 in Rome marks Pellegrino’s best showing yet at a Masters 1000.

The 29-year-old will climb to a career-high of world No. 123 after qualifying for the main draw of an ATP Masters event for the first time and getting the chance to face Italy’s top player in front of more than 10,000 fans.

He earned plenty of applause for a solid display against the sport’s dominant player, and even flashed some neat touches when Sinner gave him time on the ball.

Sinner never needed to shift into top gear but still had little trouble seeing off Pellegrino to book a quarter-final against 12th seed Andrey Rublev.

⭐️ 3⃣1⃣ ⭐️@janniksin ties Novak Djokovic (31) for the longest winning streak in Masters 1000 series history! @InteBNLdItalia | #IBI26 pic.twitter.com/Huc58ngAQ7

— ATP Tour (@atptour) May 12, 2026

If Sinner goes on to win a sixth straight Masters 1000 title, he’ll become the first Italian to lift the trophy in Rome since Adriano Panatta 50 years ago.

With Carlos Alcaraz sidelined by injury and Zverev now out, Sinner has emerged as the clear favorite in Rome as he builds momentum toward a shot at completing the career Grand Slam at Roland Garros.

Zverev, who won the Rome title in 2024, lost in three sets after Darderi fought back to claim the first win of his career over a top-10 player.

“It's my most important win, to beat Zverev at Roma is the most exciting win of my career,” said Darderi.

THE GREAT ESCAPE 🧙‍♂️🇮🇹

Home hope @Lucianodarderi_ shocks No. 2 seed Zverev, saving four match points in victory to reach the quarter-finals! @InteBNLdItalia | #IBI26 pic.twitter.com/Nm4BY1n8ig

— ATP Tour (@atptour) May 12, 2026