Jannik Sinner finds an unexpected obstacle. Who is Andrea Pellegrino, the blue surprise

Jannik Sinner ahead all the way in Rome: the South Tyrolean tennis player bent Alexei Popyrin with ease, defeated by a score of 6-2, 6-0 in less than an hour of play for the world number one who adapted well to an unexpected obstacle, the wind. “It was so windy, the conditions were not easy. The percentage on serve was not very high, but I responded well on the second.”

So did Jannik Sinner after his clear success over Popyrin that earned him the round of 16 in Rome. “I feel that I am doing well what I have to, but with this wind it is difficult and I looked for serve and volley. ent I feel that I am doing well what I have to, but with this wind it is difficult and I looked for serve and volley. I was solid, I am happy with the performance and the win. We try to look forward, I’m happy with how I handled the situation.”

Sinner won his 25th match in 2026: “I was very solid, I played good tennis. It was very windy, he didn’t serve very well, which was one of his weapons. I responded well on the second ball and when you have a break advantage it is easier. I’m very happy for today, it was a different day because of the wind,” he told Sky.

His next opponent is Andrea Pellegrino, who surprisingly beat Tiafoe in the third round: “I didn’t remember playing against him. I am happy for him, he is working so hard, he played very well against Tiafoe. It will be tough, I always try to stay on mine. He’s a tennis player I don’t know well, we’ll try to prepare as best we can.

Pellegrino is currently No. 155 in the ATP rankings and came to the Internationals after qualifying. He faced Sinner once in 2016, in a Challenger in Santa Margherita di Pula; the current world number one won in two sets. 29 years old, he is a clay court specialist and has won several Challenger tournaments throughout his career.

“When I came here I never expected this kind of result. It’s great, I’m really happy with my tennis,” Pellegrino said after his incredible victory over Tiafoe. “I was fine from the beginning and I fought on every point. The challenge with Sinner? He is the strongest in the world, I want to enjoy it. I will give my best as usual and it will be an experience I will remember forever.”