Grueling second set helps propel Sinner past Draper and into first US Open final
Jannik Sinner survived two extremely physical sets and then put away Jack Draper in the US Open semi-finals on Friday. Sinner will battle one of two Americans — either Taylor Fritz or Frances Tiafoe — for the title.
Jannik Sinner, US Open 2024 – © Antoine Couvercelle / Panoramic
Jannik Sinner secured a spot in the US Open final for the first time after holding off Jack Draper 7-5, 7-6 (3), 6-2 on Friday afternoon. Although it was a straight-set match, the first two sets were a grueling, roller-coaster ride that ultimately pushed this first semi-final over the three-hour mark.
Sinner advanced after three hours and three minutes to be exact, setting up a showdown with either Taylor Fritz or Frances Tiafoe for the title on Sunday afternoon.
“Me and Jack know each other very well,” Sinner said of his Montreal doubles partner. “We are friends of the court. It was a very physical match as we see and I just tried to stay there mentally. He is so tough to beat and it is a very special occasion. I am happy to be in the final here.”
Sinner into the encounter on a nine-match winning streak, and looking to become the first Italian man to reach the US Open title match in tournament history.
Draper, on the other hand, had already written his name into the record books as he joined Pablo Carreno Busta at the 2017 US Open and Tomas Berdych at 2010 Roland-Garros as the only men this century to reach their first Grand Slam semi-final without dropping a set.
Sinner’s first serve gave him the edge in a tight first set, taking it in just under an hour and underlining his status as world No 1 by serving out to love. But Draper certainly had his chances, going 5-4 up and forcing Sinner to hold to stay in the set.
DRAMATIC SECOND SET HAS IT ALL
Draper knew from the outset that the heat would affect him on court, asking the umpire at the coin toss about the availability of ice bags, and having to change his kit on several occasions during the match due to the amount he was sweating; more than that, he appeared to throw up on court during the second set, but refused the offer of immediate medical attention.
He did, however, see the doctor shortly afterwards, taking on a lot of liquid while Sinner was treated by the physio for a left wrist problem he incurred in a fall during a point — a point that ended with the top seed getting up from the ground and striking an incredible forehand winner.
And as they headed into a second-set tiebreak, Draper was sick again, with his opponent pointing out that it was the third incident thus far, and the umpire telling him that he could not continue vomiting on court and cleaning it up with the towels that he then placed back in the box as it posed a health hazard. It was hardly a surprise that Sinner quickly went 4-0 up in the tiebreak, ultimately taking it 7-3, and that Draper promptly headed off the court.
The second set alone lasted one hour and 28 minutes.
SINNER RUNS AWAY WITH THIRD, AWAITS FRITZ OR TIAFOE
From there it was all over for Draper, who battled valiantly but had nothing left to give in the third. The world No 25 did well to hold serve twice before Sinner rolled to service breaks in the sixth and eighth games. A winning backhand return clinched victory in style for the reigning Australian Open champion.
Sinner will be a sizable favorite over either Fritz or Tiafoe as he bids for a second major title. He is 4-1lifetime against Tiafoe and 1-1 against Fritz.
“I am just happy to be in the final,” the Italian assured. “Whoever it is, it is going to be a very tough challenge for me,” Sinner said. “I am looking forward to it. Finals are very special days. Every Sunday you play shows you are doing an amazing job, so I will try to keep pushing and I will see what I can do.”
