Top-seeded Jannik Sinner reached his first U.S. Open final, beating 25th-seeded Jack Draper 7-5, 7-6 (3), 6-2 in the semifinals on Friday in New York.
Sinner dominated the Englishman on a muggy afternoon, taking a 43-29 lead in the points standings. Draper vomited multiple times during the match.
The Italian player underwent examination on his left wrist late in the second set but looked sharp in the third as he closed out the match.
“Me and Jack know each other really well, we’re friends off the court,” Sinner said on court at Arthur Ashe Stadium. “As you saw, it was a very physical match, but I tried to stay in it mentally. He’s very hard to beat and this is a very special opportunity. I’m happy to be here in the final.”
Sinner is bidding to become the first Italian to win the U.S. Open and will face an American in Sunday’s final, with 12th seed Taylor Fritz facing 20th seed Francis Tiafoe in the other semifinal on Friday night.
No American has won the U.S. Open since Andy Roddick in 2003 and a pro-American crowd is expected to be against Sinner on Sunday.
“I’m happy to be in the final,” Sinner said. “No matter who I’m playing, it’s going to be a very tough challenge for me.”
“I’m looking forward to it. The final is a very special day. Playing every Sunday is proof that I’m doing a great job, so I’m going to keep working hard and test my abilities.”
Draper led 5-4 in both the first and second sets, but Sinner fought back in both sets, winning the final three games of the first set and forcing a tiebreak in the second to take a commanding lead.
Draper, the first British player to reach the U.S. Open semifinals since Andy Murray won the tournament in 2012, was hurt by 10 double faults and 43 unforced errors on Friday. Sinner made two and 34, respectively.
Sinner has been playing amid controversy, having tested positive twice for banned substances in March but was not suspended after the International Tennis Integrity Authority found he was not at fault.
–Field Level Media
