Jannik Sinner cruised past Lorenzo Musetti 6-2 6-2 to reach his third straight Masters 1000 semifinal this year after Indian Wells and Miami.
Musetti, who fought back from a set down to beat Novak Dokovic on Thursday, was not able to convert his five break points.
Sinner earned an immediate break at love in the first game. The world number 8 saved two break-back points in the second game to hold serve at deuce for 2-0.
Sinner went up a double break in the third game and held serve to 15 to race out to a 4-0 lead. Musetti got himself on the scoreboard in the fifth game. Sinner saved a break point to hold serve in the sixth game to hold serve at deuce for 5-1. Rune fended off a break point to hold on his serve for 2-5. Sinner served out the first set at love. Sinner hit 14 winners and made just two unforced errors.
Sinner recovered from a tough opening service game to break serve at love in the second game for 2-0. Sinner held his serve with ease and converted his second break in the seventh game to open up a 5-2. Sinner served out on his first match point in the eighth game after 1 hour and 16 minutes setting up a semifinal against Holger Rune.
Musetti won just one of the seven points on his second serve, while Sinner hit five winners to just one unforced error. Sinner also won all seven points at the net in the second set.
Sinner is the only player to reach the semifinal at the three Masters 1000 tournaments this season and is one of only three to reach the quarter finals at each tournament alongside Danil Medvedev and Taylor Fritz.
Sinner becomes the first player to reach the semifinals in Monte-Carlo since Fabio Fognini’s triumph in 2019.
Sinner has improved his record against his compatriots in ATP Tour matches to 7-0.
Sinner reached two finals at the Miami Open in 2021 and 2023 and at Indian Wells in 2023.
“It’s not easy to play against Musetti. I know his ability, his style, especially on this surface. I knew that I had to step up, try take my chances before him. For sure starting well, breaking him gave me a lot of confidence and obviously I am very happy about the performance. I felt great today on the court”, said Sinner in the post-match interview.
