May 16 2026 - Jannik Sinner 2 Wide

ROME—Jannik Sinner advanced to his second consecutive Internazionali BNL d'Italia final on Saturday, after having to “fight very, very hard” the evening prior.

The world No. 1 led Daniil Medvedev 4-2 in their third set when rain postponed the conclusion of their clash. Sinner had visibly struggled in the heavy conditions, sharing that recovering with necessary rest presented an added challenge ahead of taking the court again.

“I struggled a bit to sleep this night. It has been a situation I haven't been in yet, where you need to finish when you're nearly over with the match,” he told press. “You sleep, you don't know what's coming out the next day.”

Advertising

I had to fight very, very hard yesterday. I knew before the match it could be very physical. First set I played really well, then the conditions became very, very heavy. It was tough to get through. Jannik Sinner

With the sun finally out, Sinner closed out a 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 victory on another iffy day of weather at the Foro Italico. Medvedev had saved two match points to force the home favorite to serve it out, then pushed his rival to 30-30 on return before the top seed sealed it with one final crosscourt backhand winner.

“I think it's normal that not every day we feel 100%. I tried to play with the best possible energy I have,” Sinner said. “Yesterday brought me to a point where I was up today. Today I'm very happy that I finished it.”

Sinner extended his record ATP Masters 1000 win streak to 33, as he now looks to make it five for five in finals at this level in 2026 (Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid). The top seed is bidding to join Novak Djokovic as the only men to complete a Career Golden Masters, with Casper Ruud awaiting in the final.

Advertising

The 24-year-old has never dropped a set in four prior meetings with the Norwegian, which includes a 6-0, 6-1 demolition at this very event 12 months ago. In addition to the history at stake Sunday, Sinner is also looking to become the first Italian man to lift this trophy in 50 years, when Adriano Panatta defeated Guillermo Vilas.

“Mentally I know tomorrow is a tough match. Final's always very different to play,” he expressed. “Happy to find myself again in any case in the final. Let's see what's coming.”

In the 2025 championship match, Sinner finished runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz.