\n<\/p>\n
After two gruelling service games in the third set, Sinner’s physical troubles came to the fore and he called for the trainer after saving a break point to go 3-2 up.<\/p>\n
He received treatment off-court and returned after more than 11 minutes, but it was Rune who faltered and allowed Sinner to break for a 5-3 lead.<\/p>\n
The 13th seed needed a medical timeout of his own for an apparent knee injury before Sinner raced to a love hold to wrap up the set.<\/p>\n
There was a further 21-minute pause in play at the start of the fourth as the pair returned to the locker room when the net’s anchoring pin in the middle came loose.<\/p>\n
The interval seemed to benefit Sinner, who steamrolled his way to a 5-2 lead and served out the victory after three hours and 13 minutes.<\/p>\n
“It was very tough. I knew in my mind he had some very long matches so I tried to stay there mentally,” Sinner added.<\/p>\n
“Today the support meant so much to me, I really needed you guys today. It’s 90% yours and 10% I try to make you happy.”<\/p>\n
Sinner is on a 17-match winning streak, with his last defeat coming in the Beijing Open final against Carlos Alcaraz in October.<\/p>\n
There is potential for an all-Italian semi-final tie after unseeded Sonego’s win over 19-year-old Tien in four sets.<\/p>\n
Tien was bidding to become the youngest man to reach the last eight in Melbourne since a 17-year-old Goran Ivanisevic in 1989 but, with strapping on his right thigh, struggled with injury.<\/p>\n
“Today was so tough, I’m so sad that he had a problem. It’s not the right way to win, but I’m so happy to reach the quarter-finals,” said 29-year-old Sonego.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n