Jannik Sinner is edging closer to a historic breakthrough at the Italian Open, moving within two wins of becoming the first Italian man in 50 years to capture the title in Rome.

The world No. 1 continued his dominant stretch Thursday with a convincing 6-2, 6-4 quarterfinal victory over Andrey Rublev, extending his Masters 1000 winning streak to 32 matches — the longest since the format began in 1990. The run moves him past Novak Djokovic, whose previous record stood at 31 straight wins in 2011.

The Italian star has now won 27 consecutive matches overall and has not lost a completed Masters 1000 match since last year’s Rome final, where he was beaten by Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz, however, is currently sidelined with a wrist injury and will miss the French Open.

Sinner’s latest streak has included titles in Paris, Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo and Madrid, with most victories coming in straight sets. His only Masters defeat during that span came via retirement against Tallon Griekspoor in Shanghai due to cramps and extreme heat.

Backed by a packed and mostly orange-clad crowd at Rome’s Foro Italico, Sinner quickly took command against Rublev by breaking serve in the opening game for the third straight match. Aside from a brief wobble late in the second set, he remained firmly in control. “It was a bit breezy, a bit windy, so it was very tough conditions,” Sinner said. “I felt we both didn’t play at our best today.”

A Rome title would complete another major milestone for the 24-year-old. The Italian Open is the only Masters 1000 event Sinner has yet to win, meaning victory this week would make him just the second player after Djokovic to conquer all nine Masters tournaments.

Next up, Sinner faces Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals as he continues a remarkable run heading toward the French Open.

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