JANNIK SINNER appeared to be in immense pain during the Italian Open semi-final before vomiting on the court.
The world No1 had stormed through the early rounds of his home competition before taking on Daniil Medvedev in the last four.
And Sinner continued that fine form in the early stages against his Russian rival with a 6-2 first set.
However, the 24-year-old appeared to be hampered by injury in the second set as he lost his first set of the tournament 7-5 to force a decider.
He was seen vomiting by the side of the court and leaning on his racquet between points.
Sinner was also seen grimacing after taking a seat at changeovers.
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The Italian had to take a medical timeout after seeing his serve broken, leaving Medvedev to question umpire Aurelie Tourte and suggest Sinner was being given special treatment.
Sinner was seen drinking pickle juice – which is known for helping with cramps – and having his legs rubbed by the physio.
Speaking on Sky Sports for co-commentary, Jamie Murray agreed with the complaints but admitted an ATP rule stating treatment for cramp is not allowed was regularly exploited by players.
He said: “He is getting treated for cramp essentially, he’s getting his quads massaged.
“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.”
Rain eventually forced play to be suspended with Sinner holding a 4-2 advantage.
The winner will face Norway‘s Casper Ruud in the final.
Sinner has the chance to make tennis history by becoming only the second player to complete the Golden Masters, after Novak Djokovic.
The Italian Open is the last of the nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments Sinner has yet to win.
With rival Carlos Alcaraz sidelined through injury, Sinner has won the last five Masters 1000 events and will enter the French Open as the favourite.
Sinner was defeated at Roland Garros in the final last year.
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