Jannik Sinner has reached the semi-finals of the US Open in what was at times a wild up-and-down match and confirmed his status as favourite. The Italian tennis world number one defeated the previous winner Daniil Medvedev with an inconsistent performance 6:2, 1:6, 6:1, 6:4.
Sinner will now face his good friend Jack Draper from Great Britain in New York on Friday (local time). After defeating the Australian Alex de Minaur, the world number 25 is surprisingly among the top four in a Grand Slam for the first time in his career and has not lost a set yet. The other semi-final will be contested by the Americans Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz, who defeated Alexander Zverev.
Last remaining US Open winner out
Medvedev, winner of 2021, was the last remaining former title winner to fail. After the early exit of Novak Djokovic from Serbia and the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner has the best chance of winning his second Grand Slam title. He is under special public scrutiny after being acquitted shortly before the tournament following two positive doping tests in the spring.
“It was very difficult, we’ve already played against each other in Australia and London,” said Sinner about the duel with Medvedev. “Everyone who managed the break first pulled away. I’m very happy.” Sinner won the final of this year’s Australian Open against Medvedev in five sets. The Russian also managed to get revenge in the Wimbledon quarterfinals over the entire distance.
Changing game
After just 34 minutes, Sinner won the first set. Medvedev made it too easy for his opponent with 15 minor errors. But the fifth-ranked player in the world rankings became more confident, set the pace in long rallies and was also successful with drop shots. But just as Medvedev won the second set with such ease, Sinner again won the third set without much resistance.
It was not until the fourth set that the match between the remaining players, who are the highest seeded, lived up to its promise. One spectacular point followed the next, both had to fight hard for their serve games. Sinner managed to break at 4:3, Medvedev was unnerved and beaten shortly afterwards.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:240905-930-223501/1
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