Ruud overcomes interruption to dominate semifinal
Casper Ruud def. Luciano Darderi 6-1, 6-1
Casper Ruud established immediate authority in the Rome Open semifinal, breaking early and moving into a 3-0 lead through consistent depth and controlled baseline positioning. Luciano Darderi struggled to stabilise both physically and structurally, frequently pushed into extended defensive patterns as Ruud dictated court geography and neutralised any early attempts to shorten points.
The match was interrupted by a rain delay at 4-1 in the second set, briefly halting Ruud’s momentum at a stage where he was already in full command. Upon resumption, Ruud quickly reasserted control, holding serve comfortably and extending the scoreboard pressure as Darderi attempted to re-enter the contest but could not generate sustained rally penetration or neutral-court stability.
After the restart, Ruud’s return positioning and first-serve reliability ensured he immediately rebuilt separation, moving to a double-break lead as Darderi’s energy levels visibly dropped after a demanding stretch of matches. The Italian managed a brief stabilisation phase with a service hold at 4-1 in the second set, but it did not alter the underlying dynamic, as Ruud continued to dominate baseline exchanges and suppress second-serve effectiveness.
As the set progressed, Ruud maintained a high first-serve points-won rate and absorbed late resistance in a lengthy service game at 5-1, saving a break point in a 16+ point exchange before closing out the match. Darderi continued to apply pressure in isolated return games but lacked the physical consistency to sustain patterns across multiple games.
Ruud closed the contest with a composed hold, completing a more one-sided victory than the scoreline initially suggested once momentum was fully established. The Norwegian’s control from start to finish secured his progression to the Rome Open final, where he will face the world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, while also marking his fourth Masters 1000 final and guaranteeing a return to world No. 17 in the rankings.
Casper Ruud waving and celebrating the victory in the game the Mutua Madrid Open 2026
Sinner-Medvedev suspended amid rain disruption
Jannik Sinner 6-2, 5-7, 4-2 Daniil Medvedev
(match suspended – to be completed Friday)
Jannik Sinner opened the Rome Open semifinal with sustained dominance, breaking early and building a 3-0 lead through aggressive return positioning and consistent baseline depth. Daniil Medvedev initially struggled to generate neutral exchanges, with Sinner repeatedly forcing defensive court positioning and controlling rally length through high first-serve efficiency and early-ball pressure.
The second set shifted decisively as Medvedev increased return aggression and extended baseline exchanges, disrupting Sinner’s rhythm and targeting his second-serve patterns. The Russian’s late break secured the set 7-5, ending Sinner’s 21-set winning streak and carrying momentum into the decider, where he held early service games before Sinner re-established control.
In the third set, Medvedev opened with a hold, but Sinner immediately responded with a break for 2-1, using deeper return positions and increased court penetration to destabilise the Russian. Despite a brief medical timeout for Sinner due to knee discomfort, the Italian consolidated the break to 4-2, maintaining scoreboard control in a phase defined by shorter margins and mounting physical tension on both sides.
Play was suspended due to heavy rain affecting court safety, with conditions deteriorating after Sinner raised concerns over a slippery surface. At the moment of interruption, Medvedev was preparing to serve at advantage-40, with the Russian attempting to close the gap before further deterioration halted play.
The match was subsequently suspended and will be completed on Friday, with Sinner holding a break advantage in the deciding set and the Rome Open final place still to be determined once conditions allow resumption.
