Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev were forced off court during a chaotic and emotional semifinal at the Italian Open after rain halted play late Friday night in Rome. The match was suspended with Sinner leading 6-2, 5-7, 4-2 in the deciding set.
Medvedev was serving at Ad/40 when officials finally stopped play at Campo Centrale around 9:45 PM local time. Tournament organizers later announced there would be no restart before 10:45 PM.
Heated argument breaks out
The suspension came only moments after a tense exchange between Sinner and chair umpire Aurelie Tourte over worsening weather conditions. As rain intensified during the third set, the world No 1 repeatedly urged officials to suspend play because of concerns about slipping on the clay court.
“What if I slip at the line. How can you not make the decision? It’s pouring,” Sinner told the umpire during the argument.
Tourte initially resisted stopping the match. “If the court is good, we play,” she responded. Play continued briefly before officials ultimately halted the semifinal and covered the court.
Medvedev also furious during medical timeout drama
The rain dispute was not the only controversy during the match. Earlier in the deciding set, Sinner requested a medical timeout while leading 3-2 after appearing physically compromised for much of the contest.
The Italian had struggled visibly throughout the second set, frequently bending over between points while attempting to catch his breath. Television cameras also appeared to capture Sinner vomiting at one point during the match.
During the timeout, Sinner received treatment on his right knee while also drinking pickle juice — commonly used by athletes dealing with cramps.
That decision angered Medvedev, who argued with the chair umpire over whether Sinner should have been permitted treatment if cramps were involved. The Russian questioned whether the Italian would face punishment afterward.
Jamie Murray questions Sinner’s handling of health issues
Commentators and analysts also expressed confusion about Sinner’s physical condition throughout the semifinal. Speaking on Sky Sports, Jamie Murray questioned why Sinner delayed calling for medical assistance despite obvious signs of discomfort.
“It is weird for me that he doesn’t take the physio or the doctor, there’s clearly something wrong with him,” Murray said.
“That’s what I find bizarre about this situation, as well. We don’t know, he might be fully aware of what it is. Maybe it’s something he’s been habouring for a few days now, but it is strange in my eyes. It’s strange what’s going on.”
Sinner still two games away from Rome final
Despite the interruptions and visible struggles, Sinner regained control of the semifinal after dropping the second set. The Italian broke Medvedev early in the third set and moved within two games of reaching another Rome final before rain suspended play.
Victory would keep alive Sinner’s pursuit of a rare tennis milestone.
