Adedokun Waliyu 
World number one Jannik Sinner continued his impressive form at the Italian Open on Monday, defeating Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in straight sets 6-2, 6-0 to advance to the round of 16 in Rome.
The Italian star needed just over an hour to dismantle Popyrin in a commanding display that extended his winning streak to 25 consecutive matches.
Sinner’s latest victory sets up an all-Italian clash against Andrea Pellegrino, who stunned 20th seed Frances Tiafoe 7-6 (10/8), 6-1 earlier in the tournament.
Pellegrino, currently ranked 155th in the world, is enjoying a breakthrough run in Rome after entering the competition as a qualifier and making his first-ever appearance in the main draw of a Masters 1000 event.
Sinner’s victory also placed him alongside Novak Djokovic as the only players to win the first 25 Masters 1000 matches of a season. Djokovic achieved a longer streak of 31 victories in 2011.
Popyrin struggled throughout the encounter, committing 23 unforced errors and landing only 48 percent of his first serves. Sinner capitalized ruthlessly, breaking serve five times during the one-sided contest.
“It has been a very good performance from my side,” Sinner said after the match, praising his returning game and ability to control the rallies.
The 24-year-old is aiming to become the first Italian man to win the Italian Open since Adriano Panatta triumphed 50 years ago. Victory in Rome would also complete Sinner’s collection of Masters 1000 titles.
With Carlos Alcaraz sidelined through injury and Djokovic already eliminated from the tournament, Sinner is widely regarded as the favourite to lift the title as he prepares for the upcoming French Open.
Elsewhere in the tournament, former Rome champion Daniil Medvedev advanced after receiving a walkover into the third round.
In the women’s draw, Coco Gauff survived a major scare against fellow American Iva Jovic, rallying from a match point down to secure a hard-fought 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 victory.
Gauff’s win booked her a quarter-final clash against Mirra Andreeva after a grueling three-hour battle on a windy centre court.
Meanwhile, four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka was set to face reigning clay-court star Iga Swiatek later in the competition.
