Daniel Medvedev Italian Open match halted as players leave court | Tennis | Sport

The Italian Open quarter-final between Martin Landaluce and Daniil Medvedev was suspended due to rain on Thursday evening. Both players have headed back to the locker room, with Medvedev leading 3-2 in the second set after losing the first 6-1.

But to the surprise of even the match officials, both players soon returned to the court to continue playing. The match even continued with a number of supporters, who had taken cover, appearing to be unaware that the action was back underway.

Medvedev bounced back after the delay to take the second set 6-4. The winner of the match face Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.

Earlier in the day, Sinner broke Novak Djokovic’s record of consecutive Masters 1000 wins by beating Andrey Rublev.

World number one Sinner triumphed 6-2, 6-4 against the Russian 12th seed to reach the final four with his 32nd straight match win at a Masters event.

Sinner’s latest victory, in an hour and 32 minutes, also meant he equalled Rafael Nadal’s record of reaching the semi-finals at the first five Masters tournaments of a season.

The Italian also made history in Madrid last week by becoming the first player to win five consecutive Masters titles after his victories in Paris, Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo.

Sinner is bidding to become the first home winner in Rome since 1976, but Medvedev believes: “There is always a chance to beat Sinner, more or less. But lately he rarely has a bad day.

“Carlos and Novak can keep up with him. I have played him at Indian Wells, but never on clay. If Jannik loses, don’t be surprised; that is sport.”

While Sinner said:“I don’t play for records. I play for my own story.

“At the same time, it means a lot for me. Emotionally, it takes a lot playing here at home. But at the same time, I definitely try to do my best. It was a good day today.”