Jannik Sinner’s bid for a maiden Italian Open title continued on Tuesday as the world number one comfortably defeated fellow Italian Andrea Pellegrino 6-2, 6-3.

As expected, the top seed proved too strong for qualifier Pellegrino on Centre Court, with the match never truly developing into a contest.

The 24-year-old has now extended his winning streak in Masters 1000 events to 31 matches, equalling Novak Djokovic’s all-time record run.

For Pellegrino, reaching the last 16 at his home tournament represents by far the biggest achievement of his career at Masters 1000 level.

The 29-year-old is set to move up to a career-best world ranking of 123rd after not just making the main draw of a top-ranked ATP tournament for the first time but also getting to face his country’s biggest sporting star in front of over 10,000 fans.

The 29-year-old is projected to rise to a career-high world ranking of 123 after not only reaching the main draw of a top-tier ATP event for the first time, but also earning the chance to face his nation’s biggest sporting star in front of more than 10,000 spectators.

Pellegrino was warmly received by the crowd and delivered a respectable performance against one of tennis’ dominant figures, even showing moments of finesse whenever Sinner allowed him space to play.

However, Sinner never needed to shift into top form and still controlled the match comfortably, setting up a quarter-final against either 12th seed Andrey Rublev or fellow qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia.

If Sinner goes on to claim a record-extending sixth consecutive Masters 1000 title, he will become the first Italian champion in Rome since Adriano Panatta achieved the feat 50 years ago.

With rival Carlos Alcaraz sidelined through injury and Novak Djokovic already eliminated early, Sinner remains the overwhelming favourite as he continues his build-up towards completing the career Grand Slam at Roland Garros.

Ruud eases past injured Musetti

Casper Ruud booked his place in the last eight with a straightforward 6-3, 6-1 win over another Italian, Lorenzo Musetti.

The clay-court specialist is yet to drop a set in Rome and looked sharp on a blustery Centre Court, in contrast to eighth seed Musetti, who appeared physically hampered throughout.

Musetti was in tears after his third-round victory over Francisco Cerúndolo and required a medical timeout for a left thigh issue during his match against Ruud.

The Italian is now expected to fall outside the top 10 ahead of next week’s French Open, and later admitted he is uncertain whether he will be fit to compete in Paris.

“I don’t know. In the next couple of days we’ll carry out more detailed tests, something I haven’t been able to do so far because I’ve been playing constantly,” said Musetti.

“I just hope the pain I felt is not as serious as we currently fear.”

Norwegian Casper Ruud, who was heavily beaten by Sinner in last year’s Rome quarter-finals, remains on the opposite side of the draw to the world number one and will meet Karen Khachanov in the last eight.

Thirteenth seed Khachanov booked his place in the quarter-finals by ending Dino Prizmic’s run, defeating the spirited Croatian qualifier 6-1, 7-6(2).

Prizmic had made headlines earlier in the week after stunning Novak Djokovic in the second round, marking a breakthrough moment on the big stage.