Sinner extends Masters 1000 streak to 30 vs Popyrin

Jannik Sinner extended his unbeaten run at ATP Masters 1000 events to 30 matches with a dominant 6-2, 6-0 victory over Alexei Popyrin on Monday at the Italian Open in Rome, securing his place in the last 16.

The world number one, who received a first-round bye, earlier defeated Sebastian Ofner 6-3, 6-4 in the second round on Saturday. Against Popyrin, Sinner fired five aces, committed just one double fault and broke serve in the opening game before racing through the match in straight sets. His performance came amid tricky windy conditions, which he navigated by adjusting his shot placement.

Sinner's triumph marks his 25th consecutive Masters 1000 win to start the season, matching Novak Djokovic's feat as only the second man to achieve it. He now trails Djokovic's all-time record of 31 straight Masters victories by one. The 24-year-old Italian has captured the first five Masters titles of the year at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo and Madrid, positioning him to become the first player to sweep the opening six in a single calendar year.

His path to the title has opened considerably. Carlos Alcaraz withdrew before the tournament due to a wrist injury, while Djokovic fell in an...