Jannik Sinner was seen vomiting on the court and grimacing before the world No.1’s Italian Open semi-final against Daniil Medvedev was suspended in the third set.
Sinner had stormed through early stages of the match, establishing a 4-0 lead over Medvedev as the Italian looks to extend a record-breaking streak of 32 successive wins in ATP Masters 1000 matches.
The home favourite took the opening set 6-2, but appeared to be physically hampered during the second.
Sinner battled to get back on serve against an improving Medvedev from 3-0 down, but showed visible signs that he was struggling physically.
The 24-year-old was seen vomiting by the side of the court and regularly leaned on his racket after points.
Sinner was also seen grimacing after taking his seat at the changeovers.
Jannik Sinner was seen grimacing in pain during his Italian Open semi-final in Rome
Sinner was sick on court during the second set against Daniil Medvedev on Friday night
The Italian star was forced into a deciding third set for the first time this tournament
Medvedev maintained the pressure on Sinner and eventually broke to win the second set 7-5.
The drama continued in the deciding third set, with Sinner receiving a medical timeout having broken serve to take a 3-2 lead.
Medvedev was seen questioning the medical time out with chair umpire Aurelie Tourte, with the Russian appearing to suggest his rival was receiving special treatment by being treated for cramps.
The physio had been seen rubbing Sinner’s leg, while the Italian was seen drinking pickle juice – which is known for helping with cramps.
Under ATP rules, players are not allowed treatment for cramping as it is considered a issue of conditioning rather than an injury.
Jamie Murray, commentating on Sky Sports, agreed with Medvedev’s complaints but admitted the rule is regularly exploited by players.
‘He is getting treated for cramp essentially, he’s getting his quads massaged,’ Murray said.
‘It happens a lot, obviously, I don’t agree with it personally. He’s getting his other quad massaged now, so it’s a tough one to explain that you have got two injured quads and it’s not cramp while you’re sipping on your pickle juice.
‘Players exploit that every week, it’s not a unique situation.
‘Medvedev knows what is up. Paul Ness, the ATP physio, knows what is up as well.’
Sinner received a medcial time out after breaking to lead in the third set of the match
Medvedev appeared to suggest Sinner had received special treatment, as he questioned whether the Italian had been treated for cramp, which is not allowed under the rules
Rain prevented Sinner and Medvedev from completing the semi-final on Friday night, with play suspended with the Russian holding advantage on his serve at 4-2 down in the set.
The winner will face Casper Ruud in the final, after the Norwegian thrashed Italy’s Luciano Darderi 6-1, 6-1 in the first semi-final.
Sinner is looking to become just the second man after Novak Djokovic to complete the ‘Golden Masters’, with the Italian Open the last of the nine Masters 1000 events he needs to win.
Sinner has won the last five Masters 1000 events and will head into the French Open as the clear favourite amid Carlos Alcaraz’s absence through injury.
Medvedev will be seeking to deny him a place in the Italian Open final when their match resumes, with the 30-year-old seeking his second title in Rome.
