Jannik Sinner, the world’s top-ranked player, secured a hard-fought victory against Francisco Cerundolo in the Rome Open round of 16. The match, played on the Italian clay, ended with a 2-0 scoreline, with sets of 7/6 and 6/3, after 2 hours and 17 minutes of intense tennis. Marked by long rallies and high-energy moments, the win solidified Sinner’s strong form as he progresses to the quarterfinals. His next opponent will be either Jaume Munar or Casper Ruud, depending on their match outcome.
The duel kicked off with aggressive exchanges. Cerundolo, ranked 18th globally, showed resilience early, fending off four break points in the opening game. Sinner, undeterred, kept the pressure on, targeting the Argentine’s serve with precision.
Sinner d. Cerundolo 7-6 6-3
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 13, 2025
Jannik passes his 1st big test
24th consecutive win
17th consecutive set
Still undefeated in 2025
✅15th Masters QF
✅2nd Rome QF
Not playing near his peak yet, but his mentality is always peaking
One of the many reasons why he’s world #1
🇮🇹❤️ pic.twitter.com/4Bhtxom5gF
- Tight first set: The opening set went to a tiebreak after both players traded breaks.
- Second-set dominance: Sinner raised his level to close out the match convincingly.
- Electric crowd: Italian fans packed the stands, rallying behind their top player.
First set breakdown
The first set was a grueling battle of consistency and strategy. Cerundolo opened serving and faced immediate pressure, with Sinner generating four break points. The Argentine held firm, using powerful serves and net approaches to secure the game. In the following games, both players held serve comfortably, adapting to the clay’s slow pace.
At 2/2, Sinner capitalized on a slight dip in Cerundolo’s focus. After a tightly contested game, the Italian broke serve, taking a 3/2 lead. However, Cerundolo struck back immediately, leveling the score at 3/3 with a break of his own after four break points. The Rome crowd roared with every point, amplifying the tension.
The set remained close, culminating in a tiebreak. Cerundolo had a chance to break at 4/3, but Sinner responded with pinpoint winners. In the tiebreak, the Italian’s composure shone, clinching the set 7/6 after 1 hour and 12 minutes.
Second set mastery
Sinner found his rhythm in the second set, dictating play with greater authority. His movement on clay improved, and he began forcing Cerundolo into defensive positions. The first break came in the fourth game, when a double fault from the Argentine handed Sinner a 3/1 advantage.
Cerundolo fought to stay in the match, but Sinner’s consistency proved too much. The Italian held serve with ease, mixing heavy topspin with flat shots to keep his opponent guessing. A second break in the eighth game sealed the set at 6/3, securing Sinner’s place in the quarterfinals.
- Serve efficiency: Sinner won 78% of points on his first serve.
- Cerundolo’s errors: The Argentine committed 22 unforced errors across the match.
- Rally control: Sinner claimed 65% of points in exchanges exceeding five shots.
Road to the round of 16
Sinner’s journey to the round of 16 included dominant performances. In his opener, he dispatched local qualifier Matteo Gigante 6/4, 6/2. In the third round, he faced 11th-ranked Karen Khachanov, winning 6/3, 6/4 in straight sets. Playing on home soil, Sinner has shown increasing comfort on clay, a surface where he won the ATP 250 in Umag in 2022.
Cerundolo also arrived with momentum. The Argentine defeated Cameron Norrie in the second round and local favorite Lorenzo Musetti in the third, both in straight sets. Despite the loss to Sinner, Cerundolo’s clay-court game continues to improve.
Rome Open legacy
The Rome Open, a cornerstone of the tennis calendar since 1930, draws the sport’s biggest stars. For Sinner, the tournament holds special significance as a home event. In 2020, as a rising star, he reached the quarterfinals, falling to Rafael Nadal. In 2023, he exited in the round of 16 against Daniil Medvedev.
This year, Sinner entered as the top seed, bolstered by his Australian Open title and a Roland Garros semifinal in 2024. His campaign so far underscores his status as a favorite, with his clay game sharper than ever.
- Historic winners: Nadal holds a record 10 titles, followed by Djokovic with 6.
- Italian milestone: Sinner is the first Italian top seed since 2000.
- Prize money: The 2025 event offers over 8 million euros in payouts.
Next challenge
Sinner awaits the winner of Jaume Munar versus Casper Ruud. Munar, ranked 66th, has excelled in smaller tournaments but struggles against elite players. Ruud, the world No. 7, is a clay-court specialist with three Roland Garros finals and titles like the ATP 500 in Barcelona.
Facing Ruud would test Sinner, as the Norwegian leads their head-to-head 2-1, including a win on clay in Monte Carlo in 2021. Munar, however, has never faced Sinner on the ATP Tour.
Tournament’s role
The Rome Open serves as a critical tune-up for Roland Garros, the year’s second Grand Slam. For Sinner, it’s an opportunity to cement his No. 1 ranking and build momentum on clay. With two Masters 1000 titles in 2024 (Miami and Toronto), he’s chasing his first Rome crown.
Other contenders, including Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev, remain in the hunt. Alcaraz faces Tommy Paul in the round of 16, while Zverev takes on Nuno Borges. Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev also stay in contention, making for a stacked field.
Clay-court prowess
Clay demands endurance and tactical finesse, qualities Sinner has honed. His blend of power and mobility makes him a threat on slower surfaces. Against Cerundolo, he showcased versatility, using slices and drop shots to disrupt the Argentine’s rhythm.
Cerundolo, a clay-court standout, struggled to match Sinner’s intensity. The Argentine, who won the ATP 250 in Umag in 2023, is still seeking a breakthrough in Masters 1000 events.
- Sinner’s clay record: 92% win rate in 2025 (23 of 25 matches).
- Key strengths: Crosscourt forehand and serve return.
- Cerundolo’s growth: Up 10 ranking spots since 2024.
Home crowd energy
Italian fans brought unmatched passion to Sinner’s match. The Foro Italico’s packed stands erupted during the tiebreak, with chants and banners honoring the world No. 1. The vibrant atmosphere has been a hallmark of the Rome Open, blending tennis with cultural pride.
Sinner’s status as the first Italian to top the ATP rankings has fueled local excitement, drawing record crowds to the tournament.
Other matches of the day
Beyond Sinner’s win, the round of 16 delivered compelling action. Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Jack Draper 6/4, 6/3, while Andrey Rublev edged Arthur Fils 7/5, 6/4. In the women’s draw, Iga Swiatek, the top-ranked player, beat Madison Keys to reach the quarterfinals.
The tournament continues to captivate, with high-stakes matches looming in the later rounds. Sinner remains a focal point as a title contender.
Quarterfinal preparations
Sinner will use his rest day to refine his game plan. His team, led by coach Darren Cahill, is focusing on improving his defense-to-attack transitions, especially against players like Ruud who excel on clay. Physical conditioning is also key for the grueling clay-court battles.
Cerundolo, despite the loss, heads to the ATP 250 in Lyon next week to gain more match time before Roland Garros.
- Sinner’s priorities: Sharpening backhand against high-spin shots.
- Cerundolo’s plan: More clay events to climb the rankings.
- Tournament conditions: Dry weather favors aggressive playstyles.
Ranking implications
Sinner’s victory strengthens his grip on the No. 1 ranking. With over 9,000 points, he leads Novak Djokovic by a wide margin. The Rome Open awards 1,000 points to the champion, making thôi crucial for the race to stay atop the ATP standings.
Alcaraz and Zverev are also vying for ranking points to close the gap. The clay season, culminating at Roland Garros, will shape the top ranks through mid-2025.
Match highlights
The Sinner-Cerundolo clash featured memorable moments. In the first-set tiebreak, Sinner’s perfectly placed drop shot drew roars from the crowd, while Cerundolo countered with a defensive lob that nearly stole a point. The match averaged 6.8 shots per rally, higher than the tournament’s norm.
- Longest rally: A 28-shot exchange in the second set, won by Sinner.
- Tiebreak stats: Sinner took 7 of 10 points.
- Crowd size: Over 10,000 fans attended the match.
Looking ahead
The Rome Open quarterfinals promise fierce competition. Tsitsipas and Rublev are gaining momentum, while Alcaraz aims to regain his form. In the women’s draw, Swiatek faces challenges from Sabalenka and Gauff.
The tournament wraps up on Sunday, with the men’s final set for 4 p.m. Brasília time, broadcast live.
