Rain Saves Sinner? Semifinal Against Medvedev Halts in 3rd Set Following Physical Collapse

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner battled severe dizziness and quadriceps cramps against a resilient Daniil Medvedev before rain put a temporary end to an intense, controversial clash.

Photo: Getty Images

The high-stakes Rome Open 2026 semifinal between top seed Jannik Sinner and ninth seed Daniil Medvedev was pushed to its limits before heavy rainfall forced an overnight suspension. The match will resume this Saturday at 15:00 local time, with Sinner holding a partial 6-2, 5-7, 4-2 lead in the deciding set, as Casper Ruud awaits the winner in the final.

Sinner, who aimed to complete his Masters 1000 collection after winning in Paris, Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, and Madrid, dominated the opening set 6-2 in just 32 minutes. However, the Italian’s physical condition rapidly deteriorated in the second set. 

Medvedev capitalized on Sinner's sudden struggle with dizziness and nausea, jumping to a quick 0-3 lead. Sinner showed resilience by leveling the set at 3-3—despite visibly vomiting in a corner of the court—but eventually lost the set 7-5.

The tension peaked in the third set. While leading 3-2 on his serve, Sinner called for a medical timeout to treat right quadriceps cramps. This prompted a sharp, sarcastic complaint from Medvedev to the chair umpire regarding the legality of treating cramps mid-match. Medvedev was caught saying, "When we call the physio for cramps, don't they fine us?". Sinner managed to secure a 4-2 game advantage right before the downpour halted play, leaving the tactical and physical conclusion hanging in the balance.