New York: Jannik Sinner has made history as the first Italian man to reach the US Open final. On Friday, the Australian Open champion triumphed over Britain’s Jack Draper with scores of 7-5, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 in the semi-finals. Draper, who struggled with illness and injury, was unable to keep pace with the determined Sinner.
Sinner’s victory marks a significant milestone in tennis history, as he becomes the first Italian man to advance to the final at Flushing Meadows. With this win, Sinner has set up an exciting title match, where he will face either Taylor Fritz or Frances Tiafoe. Both American players are vying to end their country’s 21-year drought for a male Grand Slam champion.
“It was a very physical match,” Sinner said after the game. “Jack and I are great friends off the court. I’m excited to be in the final, and it’s an amazing position to be in.”
Draper, the first British man to reach the semi-finals since Andy Murray’s 2012 victory, was visibly affected by his illness and a series of mistakes. The match saw Draper struggling with 10 double faults and 43 unforced errors, which contributed to his downfall.
Sinner’s performance was marked by 43 winners and resilience, especially after injuring his wrist in a fall during the second set. Despite the injury scare, he managed to secure the win and advance to his first Grand Slam final.
“I’m happy to be in this position,” Sinner added. “The final will be a tough challenge, but it means I’m doing something right.”
The match was a grueling three hours long, and both players faced physical challenges. Draper experienced a moment of illness on court, which added to the dramatic nature of the match. Sinner took a medical timeout but returned to win the tiebreaker and take control.
With top players Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz out of the tournament early, the final will see a new US Open champion crowned. Sinner’s historic run is a highlight of this year’s tournament.
The final match promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the tournament, with either Fritz or Tiafoe set to face Sinner. Both Americans are hoping to bring a Grand Slam title back to the US for the first time in over two decades.
Andy Roddick was the last American man to win a Grand Slam singles title, capturing the US Open in 2003. Fritz and Tiafoe, who were just five years old at the time, are now in a position to break the long-standing drought.
As the tournament approaches its climax, the stage is set for an exciting final that will be remembered for years to come. Sinner’s achievement is a testament to his talent and determination, making him a standout player in this year’s US Open.
