Jannik Sinner’s demolition of Australian star Alexei Popyrin in the third round of the Rome Masters lasted just 62 minutes, leaving fans and analysts stunned. 
After a routine win over Sebastian Ofner in his opener, Sinner faced a much sterner test against Popyrin, a player who had defeated Novak Djokovic in a Masters final. Yet the match proved to be a one-sided affair. Sinner raced to a 6-2, 6-0 victory, with the second set being a bagel. Many spectators joked that the intensity of the match was lower than a typical training session for the world No. 1.
Popyrin, known for his aggressive baseline game and sharp volleys, could barely compete. The loss drew comparisons to Alexander Zverev’s straight-sets defeat to Sinner in Madrid, but this time the scoreline was even harsher. Analysts noted Sinner’s flawless all-court game: powerful groundstrokes, solid defense, lethal serving, and impeccable rhythm control. Some likened him to a surgeon’s scalpel, dissecting Popyrin’s game with surgical precision. 
The victory extended Sinner’s Masters winning streak to 30 matches, surpassing Roger Federer’s long-standing record of 29. Novak Djokovic’s record of 31 consecutive Masters wins now appears within reach. The question on everyone’s lips: who can stop Sinner in Rome?
Meanwhile, 36-year-old Romanian Sorana Cirstea continues her remarkable run. After upsetting world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the third round, many wrote her off as lucky. But she proved the doubters wrong by dispatching Czech teenager Linda Noskova 6-2, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals. Cirstea, who had earlier joked she might postpone her retirement if she won the title, is now the dark horse of the women’s draw. 
Her victory over Noskova, who is 15 years her junior, showcased the value of experience. Fans are now wondering how far she can go in this tournament.