The Jannik Sinner vs Casper Ruud Italian Open final could be delayed, briefly - just like the women's singles final (Coco Gauff vs Elina Svitolina). This is because of the persistent rain in Rome over the weekend. Sinner booked his place in the final after overcoming Daniil Medvedev 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 in a rain-affected semifinal at the Foro Italico in Rome.
The world No 1 will now face Ruud at around 5 PM local time on Sunday. The Norwegian cruised past Luciano Darderi in the other semifinal.
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The semifinal encounter stretched across two days after rain halted play late Friday night at Campo Centrale. Sinner had dominated the opening set and looked on course for a straight-sets victory before Medvedev mounted a response in the second. The Russian broke serve in the 12th game to force a deciding set just before weather conditions brought the contest to a halt.
Officials suspended the match overnight, leaving both players to return Saturday morning to complete the decider.
Jannik Sinner vs Ruud weather update
{{/usCountry}}Officials suspended the match overnight, leaving both players to return Saturday morning to complete the decider.
Jannik Sinner vs Ruud weather update
{{/usCountry}}As per Accuweather and Weather.com's forecast for Sunday, Rome could experience some rainfall on Sunday. However, the 5 PM slot is reported to be sunny. It is unlikely that the men's final will be postponed.
Sinner opens up on mental challenge
Following the semifinal match, Sinner admitted the overnight pause created a difficult mental situation heading into the deciding set. "It was a very different challenge and a tough challenge. Usually, during the night, I don't struggle to sleep but this time it was not easy,” he said after the win.
“You are in the third set, nearly done but you still have to show up again and you never know what is happening. It is like the start of the match as there are nerves again.”
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The Italian added that he was proud of how he handled the unusual circumstances. “I am very happy with how I handled this situation and that I back in the final," he said.
Ruud awaits in the final
Sinner’s victory sets up a title clash against Ruud, who dismantled Italian hopeful Darderi 6-1, 6-1 in a one-sided semifinal.
Ruud produced one of his sharpest performances of the tournament, overwhelming Darderi from the baseline and allowing the home crowd little opportunity to build momentum behind the Italian.