Novak Djokovic fought off a tenacious Italian opponent and the partisan Rome crowd to reach the Internazionali d'Italia men's final.
Reigning Internazionali BNL d'Italia champion Novak Djokovic has work to do when his quarter-final with Stefanos Tsitsipas resumes.
The majority of the big names advanced in Rome on Thursday, but Rafael Nadal almost suffered another clay-court defeat.
World number one Novak Djokovic was a cut above Alejandro Davidovich Fokina as he sealed his place in the last eight at the Foro Italico.
Daniil Medvedev saw his woe on clay continue as he was beaten by fellow Russian Aslan Karatsev, but Rafael Nadal is safely through.
World number one Novak Djokovic was broken twice in the second set, but Taylor Fritz could not take the top seed the distance in Rome.
After practicing with Novak Djokovic in Rome on Sunday, Andy Murray is a late addition to the doubles draw along with Liam Broady.
Taylor Fritz progressed to a meeting with world number one Novak Djokovic in Rome, while Rafael Nadal will face Jannik Sinner.
Despite falling behind to Matteo Berrettini, Alexander Zverev claimed his first Masters 1000 title since 2018 in Madrid on Sunday.
Matteo Berrettini overcame the challenge of Casper Ruud in straight sets to reach the final of the Madrid Open.