Jannik Sinner, the reigning Australian Open champion, continued his impressive run at the 2024 US Open, defeating Jack Draper in straight sets to advance to his first final at Flushing Meadows.
Sinner, who has a perfect 13-0 record on hard-court majors this year, overcame a resilient Draper, 7-5, 7-6 (3), 6-2, in a match that lasted three hours and three minutes. The Italian has now reached the final of two Grand Slams in 2024, having won the Australian Open earlier this year.
Despite being the more experienced player, Sinner faced a tough challenge from Draper, who was playing in his biggest match at the US Open. The Brit had lost only 26 games in his first four matches and had upset No. 10 seed Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals.
The first set was closely contested, with both players exchanging breaks. Sinner eventually broke Draper’s serve at 5-5 and served out the set in 56 minutes. The second set was equally tight, with Draper saving three break points before Sinner forced a tiebreaker. The Italian took control of the tiebreaker and won it 7-3.
Draper’s physical condition deteriorated in the third set, as he appeared to suffer from heat illness. Despite his discomfort, he continued to fight and kept the set on serve until the sixth game. Sinner eventually broke Draper’s serve and served out the match to reach the final.
Sinner will now face either No. 12 seed Taylor Fritz or No. 20 seed Frances Tiafoe in the final. It will be the first time an American has reached the championship match at a Grand Slam since Andy Roddick at the 2009 Wimbledon.
