Undefeated on Campo Centrale in Rome this decade, 2023 champion Daniil Medvedev records a fierce comeback win over Spaniard Martin Landaluce, setting a semifinal clash with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner on Thursday night.
An outstanding fortnight of tennis at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia saw world No. 9 Daniil Medvedev claim his 50th clay-court win, rallying from a set down to end lucky loser Martin Landaluce's spirited run 1-6, 6-4, 7-5 in two hours and 23 minutes at Foro Italico.
Speaking about his young rival courtside, he said: “He played unreal at the beginning... When you’re young, it’s tough to play a full match like this, so I just fought. I’m happy that I managed to seal the victory.”
The former champion's resilience and grit lit up Campo Centrale on a cold Thursday night in Rome as the players fiercely fought for the last spot in the semifinals.
In warrior mode, the 30-year-old put in motion an outstanding comeback, courtesy of the high level delivered from his racquet to overpower an opponent 10 years his junior, reaching his fourth semifinal of the season.
The former US Open winner showcased great intensity to advance to the last four at the Masters 1000 tournament for the second time in his career.
Next, he will meet last year's runner-up Jannik Sinner, both aiming to return to the championship match on Roman soil.
Earlier, the top seed knocked out the 12th seed, Andrey Rublev, 6-2, 6-4, with a dominant performance in one hour and 32 minutes, despite not being 100 percent physically.
With the win, the world No. 1 broke the record for the longest Masters 1000 winning streak in series history (32), having lifted the trophy in Paris, Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, and Madrid.
The Match as It Happened
Medvedev got off to a poor start after dropping serve in the second and fourth games of the first set, which the 20-year-old took 6-1 in just 25 minutes, staying sharp on serve.
As the second set unfolded, both players struggled to hold serve; the seventh seed's consistency on the return games played a key role in setting the match even at one set apiece.
The Madrid-born built a 3-1 advantage in the decider, coming to the net often to generate some spectacular drop shots.
Nonetheless, Landaluce's inspiring campaign would come to an end as the experienced former world number one returned from a break down to pocket the set 7-5 and the match, performing brilliantly behind his serve.
He finished 27 winners to 24 unforced errors, converted five of 15 break points, and won 72 percent of the points on his first service.
Sinner leads Medvedev 9-7 in their series, having met recently in the Indian Wells final, where the former surged to a two-set tiebreak victory.
On top of the world, the No. 1 Italian bids to win the Golden Masters, consisting of capturing all nine Masters 1000 titles, joining 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic.
In that regard, the 28-time ATP title holder outlined: "I don't play for records. I play for my own story.
"Tomorrow is another day, a different opponent, different conditions... Emotionally, it takes a lot playing here at home. But at the same time, I definitely try to do my best. It was a good day today."
The other semifinal will feature 23rd seed Casper Ruud against home hope Luciano Darderi, their first clash on Tour.
The Norwegian player powered into the biggest semifinal of his career since winning the Madrid Open last season.
The three-time Rome semifinalist defeated 13th seed Karen Khachanov 6-1, 1-6, 6-2 in a match disrupted by the rain on Wednesday.
His opponent surged from a late-night dramatic three-hour, eight-minute encounter where Darderi halted Rafael Jodar's impressive run on his maiden clay season with a 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-0 win.
In his on-court interview, the world No. 20 expressed: "First time in the semifinals, it's a dream to play here.
"Rafa is an amazing player. He's so young, just 19 years old. I had my chance in the second set, then he played just amazing. But I kept fighting, and I am very happy about that."
Previously, the Italian clinched his first Top 10 victory by saving four match points in a gruelling second-set tiebreak, stunning world No. 3 Alexander Zverev 1-6, 7-6(10), 6-0 to reach his first quarterfinal in a Masters 1000 venue.
On Friday, two Italian players will be in contention for a ticket to the title match on home soil.