Jannik Sinner advanced to his first semi-final of the US Open after beating Daniil Medvedev on Thursday, September 5 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The duo got involved in a riveting clash leaving the crowd awestruck at several stages of the game but it was Sinner who emerged victorious by 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 6-4.
The Italian started the match on a positive note winning the first set comfortably by 6-2. However, Medvedev made a brilliant comeback by completely dominating the second set and sealing it by 6-1. The Australian Open 2024 finalists were once again putting on a show at Flushing Meadows as the crowd expected another five-setter clash between the two star players.
The momentum shifted constantly during the game from one side to the other as Sinner once again showed his class in the third set by breaking Medvedev twice who lost the set with forehand forced error. However, the Russian took inspiration from his recent quarter final win over the Italian at the Wimbledon and refused to get broken in the fourth by holding his first three serves.
Sinner was also up to the task as he managed to take the lead by earning a breakpoint courtesy of another forehand unforced error by the fifth seed. Medvedev amounted to a total of 57 unforced errors as Sinner registered his sixth win over the Russian rival. He eventually sealed the third set with a forehand winner and advanced to the semi final knocking out the 2021 champion.
Following his win, the Australian Open champion stated that he was aware of the challenges the game would pose.
“It was very tough. We know each other quite well. We played in Australia and London this year. We knew it would be very physical. It was strange the first two sets because whoever made the first break started to roll. I’m really happy. Thanks everyone for staying so long. I really appreciate it," said Sinner in her on court interview after the game.
Sinner is now the fourth active player to make it to the semi finals of all four Grand Slam events after Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Marin Cilic. He will be up against Britain’s Jack Draper in the semi final who advanced through with straight sets win over Australia’s Alex de Minaur.
Commenting on his upcoming clash, Sinner revealed the camaraderie he shares with Jack Draper and lauded him for his performances so far in the tournament.
“We know each other very well. We are good friends off the court. It’ll be a tough one. He’s playing incredible. He hasn’t lost a set yet. He’s playing very very good. So let’s see what’s coming. I’m just happy to be in the semis. Let’s see who plays better in a couple days," he added.
