Top-seeded Jannik Sinner advanced to the U.S. Open semifinals for the first time by defeating 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 6-4 on Wednesday night. Sinner, who emerged as the top contender after Djokovic and Alcaraz’s early exits, is the sole remaining male player in the tournament with a Grand Slam title. Earlier this year, he clinched his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open by overcoming Medvedev in a five-set final.
The match between Sinner and Medvedev was characterized by its back-and-forth nature, with each player dominating sets alternately. Sinner seized control in the first set, Medvedev responded by dominating the second, and Sinner reclaimed the lead in the third. In the decisive fourth set, Sinner surged ahead from a tied score of 3-all, saving break points before breaking Medvedev to lead 5-3.
Sinner, a 23-year-old from Italy who was recently cleared of a doping case before the start of the U.S. Open, will face Britain’s No. 25 Jack Draper in the semifinals on Friday. This sets up an exciting clash for a spot in the tournament final. The other men’s semifinal will feature No. 12 Taylor Fritz against No. 20 Frances Tiafoe, marking the first all-American men’s matchup at a major in nearly two decades.
On the women’s side, Thursday night’s semifinals will see Jessica Pegula take on Karolina Muchova, and Aryna Sabalenka compete against Emma Navarro. Pegula advanced by defeating top seed Iga Swiatek 6-2, 6-4 in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, 22-year-old Draper secured his first Grand Slam semifinal appearance by triumphing over No. 10 Alex de Minaur in straight sets and becoming the first British man to reach this stage at Flushing Meadows since Andy Murray’s victory in 2012.
Draper, who has won all 15 sets he has played so far in the tournament, expressed his belief in his abilities and hard work leading up to this moment. Despite a minor leg issue that required taping during the match, Draper remains optimistic about his future prospects in the tournament. The U.S. Open continues to deliver thrilling matchups as the competition intensifies.
**Reference**: This article is based on the events reported at the U.S. Open Tennis Championships.
