Sinner, Alcaraz, and Zverev advance to the quarterfinals in Rome

Ap

La Jornada Newspaper, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, p. a11

Rome. Italian Jannik Sinner overcame a major test in his return from a three-month doping ban, defeating Argentine Francisco Cerúndolo, a seasoned clay-courter, 7-6, 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals of the Rome Masters .

This is Sinner's first tournament since claiming her third Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January, and she hasn't dropped a set in three matches.

It was a very long day, but I need this. I was away for three months, so I feel very lucky to be here , the Italian expressed.

In February, Sinner reached an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency, which raised questions, as the three-month suspension conveniently allowed him to avoid missing any Grand Slams and return to his home tournament.

Rome is the last major tournament before Roland Garros begins on May 25.

The start of the match was delayed for several hours due to rain, turning it into a night game. But the daytime crowd at the Foro Italico stayed to watch their home player and calmed them down with chants of Olé, olé, olé; Sin-ner, Sin-ner at all the important moments.

The former world number one is seeking to become the first Italian to win the Rome title since Adriano Panatta in 1976.

Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz had to dig deep to score a 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 victory over Karen Khachanov, securing a spot in the quarterfinals and a rematch against Jack Draper, who beat him earlier this year. "Physically, I've been struggling. I don't have any pain anywhere in my body, but I was tired ," the Spaniard said.

In other results, American Tommy Paul defeated Australian Alex de Minaur for the first time in six meetings, winning 7-5, 6-3. German Alexander Zverev defeated Frenchman Arthur Fils (13) 7-6, 6-1, while Italian Lorenzo Musetti defeated Russian Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-4.

Paolini comes back

In the women's quarterfinals, Jasmine Paolini came from behind to defeat Diana Shnaider 6-7, 6-4, 6-2 to become the first Italian to reach the semifinals in Rome since her doubles partner, Sara Errani, lost the 2014 final to Serena Williams.

Paolini's opponent in the semi-finals will be American Peyton Stearns.

▲ The Indiana Pacers advanced to the NBA Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive time after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-105 and sealing the series 4-1 in their favor at Rocket Arena. Tyrese Haliburton (right) led the offense with 31 points, six rebounds, and eight assists. Donovan Mitchell stood out for Cleveland with 35 points. AP Photo

La Jornada Newspaper, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, p. a11