Italian Open semi-final postponed as Sinner and Medvedev forced off

Jannik Sinner's Italian Open semi-final clash with Daniil Medvedev has been postponed due to torrential downpours lashing down on the Stadio Centrale. Play between the two was suspended just before 9pm, with Sinner holding a 4-2 lead over his opponent in the deciding set.

A statement from organisers read: "Play is currently suspended due to inclement weather. We are actively monitoring weather conditions and will keep you updated on any schedule change. The match won't resume before 10:15pm, local time."

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Tarp was also rolled across the court to preserve the playing surface from the rain. While organisers initially explained that play would not resume until 10.15pm local time, they quickly knocked that back to 10.45pm and eventually 11pm.

It was then announced that play for the day had been suspended outright, meaning that Sinner and Medvedev will have to pick up their semi-final encounter on Friday at the earliest. It comes as the winner of the clash will go on to face Casper Ruud in the final of the tournament come Sunday, May 17.

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The Norwegian World No. 23 stamped his place in the final with a 6-1 6-1 win over Luciano Darderi on Friday. Sinner and Medvedev were both visibly concerned by the weather before the suspension of play, urging the umpire to take control of the situation.

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Fears of slipping on the surface were eventually heard as the official came down from the chair and put a pause on play. It comes as the downpours over Rome look unlikely to dissipate any time soon.

According to BBC weather, thundery showers are expected to roll in between midnight and 1am, with light rain forecast for the majority of Saturday too. Thankfully, Sunday's final should not be impacted by adverse conditions, with forecasts sugesting sunshine and highs of 22C are en-route.

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