“Jannik Sinner experiences drama with panic attack in Rome.”

The electrifying semi-final clash at the Rome Masters between Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev turned into a genuine spectacle of drama, tension, and controversy that will be remembered by tennis fans. After dominating the first set with a commanding 6-2, the young Italian prodigy seemed on his way to the final, but the second set brought a brutal turnaround: Sinner faced severe health issues that nearly cost him the match – and his composure.

From the moment Medvedev kicked off the second set with a score of 3-0, Sinner’s condition visibly deteriorated. The Italian player, clearly distressed, struggled to breathe, leaning on his racket as his heart rate skyrocketed, in a clear episode that many interpreted as a panic attack. The situation worsened when Sinner vomited on the court, barely able to remain standing, leaving everyone in shock.

The former world number 6, Flavia Pennetta, who watched the match, described what happened as an anxiety attack: “It really seemed like a panic attack to me, because he suddenly couldn’t breathe properly. What impressed me was how he managed to recover, control himself, and lower his heart rate. At the 2025 Australian Open, something similar happened to him and he didn’t know how to recognize the signs. Now he seems more prepared to deal with it.” It is worth noting that this was not the first time Sinner faced physical issues at a crucial moment, as he himself admitted that during the clash against Holger Rune, he had to fight against his body to win.

With his health deteriorating, Sinner allowed Medvedev to seize the opportunity and take the second set 7-5, leveling the match. In the third set, the Italian seemed to regain control, breaking serve and going up 4-2, but physical issues persisted. This time, it was cramps in his legs that forced him to call for medical assistance—a decision that did not sit well with Medvedev, who did not hesitate to protest to the umpire: “If the physiotherapist is called for cramps, are we not penalized?” questioned the Russian, insinuating that Sinner was using the rules to his advantage.

The controversy did not end there. As the rain intensified at the Foro Italico, the match became dangerous, and Sinner, already visibly frustrated, confronted the umpire: “It’s pouring! How do you expect me to play? I could slip on the lines! I can’t decide, but this isn’t safe!” The tension escalated, and despite Medvedev’s desire to continue, the umpire was forced to suspend the match, which will resume on Saturday with Sinner in a favorable position.

Despite the courage and resilience shown by Sinner, not everyone agreed with his stance. Jamie Murray, brother of the famous Andy Murray, did not hold back in his criticism of the Italian, finding it strange that he did not call for medical assistance immediately after vomiting on court. “It’s strange that he didn’t call the physiotherapist or the doctor right away; clearly something is wrong. He might know what’s happening with him, but it’s odd to see this happen in the middle of a match,” he commented during the broadcast for Sky Sports.

At this moment, Sinner maintains an impressive streak of 28 consecutive victories, but this episode raises questions about his ability to stay at the top of the world ranking and his dominance in major competitions. Will the Italian be able to overcome Medvedev and extend his reign? Or will the Russian, in one of the biggest displays of the year, manage to assert himself and cause the biggest upset of the season?

The answer will be given this weekend when the clash resumes. Get ready for another epic battle in the heart of Rome! Share your predictions and join the discussion!

This article first appeared on Apito Final.