Italian Open: Janic Ciner leads Daniil Medvedev before semi-final postponed due to rain

Janic Ciner overcame his physical struggles to lead Daniil Medvedev in a decisive set before rain halted their mandatory Italian Open semi-final.

Papi regularly leaned on his racket to support himself and treated his thigh during a medical timeout in the third set.

However, the 24-year-old was leading 6-2 5-7 4-2 when the match was postponed until Saturday due to weather.

Cena was on a steamroller heading for Medvedev after going 4-0 up en route to taking the first set.

However, Medvedev kept his cool as he took advantage of the Italian’s declining strength and quality to lead 3-0 in the second set.

Ciner held a long fourth game to prevent himself from going 4-0 down and, despite showing visible signs he was struggling physically, stormed back against the Russian.

Medvedev kept the pressure on his opponent and it finally paid off when he took a break point with Siner to stay in the second set.

It was the first set the world number one dropped in this year’s tournament.

Ciner, who was aiming to extend his record ATP Masters 1000 wins to 33, had three break points in the third game of the decider and roared as he took the second after Medvedev sent a backhand long.

A 4-2 loss to Siner was halted due to rain and the organizers later decided to resume the match on Saturday.

In the other semi-final, Cassper Ruud was a 6-1 6-1 winner over world number 20 Luciano Darderi of Italy as he reached his first Italian Open final after a rain-interrupted match.

“This is my 10th semi-final I think in a Masters 1000 and this was his first so you try to use that experience to your advantage and I think I did well today,” said Norway’s Rudd.

“He might have been a little stressed, a little nervous about the show, but I just tried to stay focused and kind of have my own tunnel vision.”