Jannik Sinner advanced to the semifinals of the Italian Open on Thursday by defeating Andrey Rublev and setting a fresh benchmark of 32 consecutive triumphs in Masters 1000 tournaments.

Securing yet another straight-sets success - 6-2, 6-4 against Rublev - propelled Sinner to 32 successive victories in the ATP's premier events, surpassing the 31-win streak Novak Djokovic achieved in 2011.

"I don’t play for records, I play just for my own story," Sinner said courtside. "At the same time, it means a lot to me, but tomorrow is another day, another opponent, a different opponent."

Rublev became Sinner's first seeded rival at this year's Rome draw, and the world No 1 dispatched him with ease before a thrilled center court audience. Sinner next meets Daniil Medvedev - the 2023 champion at Foro Italico - or lucky loser Martin Landaluce, who face off in Thursday's evening opener.

Sinner seems nearly invincible right now, and with key rival Carlos Alcaraz sidelined by injury, he enters as the clear frontrunner to claim the Rome crown - the first for an Italian man in 50 years - before chasing a career Grand Slam at the French Open. Adriano Panatta was the last Italian to win the men's singles here, back in 1976. Sinner dropped last year's final to Alcaraz, while Jasmine Paolini last season became the first Italian woman in 40 years to take the title.

Rublev put up minimal fight, losing serve right at the start of both sets and racking up 28 unforced errors over 18 games. Sinner unleashed moments of top form, highlighted by a stunning cross-court drop shot that clinched his fourth break for a 4-1 lead in the second set.

"I felt like we both didn’t play at our best today, but at the same time, you know, the conditions here are very tough," Sinner noted of the shifting, blustery weather in Rome. "I tried to adapt myself in the best possible way, and obviously I’m happy."