Sinner Reaches First US Open Final as Draper Wilts

AFP/APP

New York: World number one Jannik Sinner made history on Friday by becoming the first Italian man to reach the US Open final, defeating an ailing Jack Draper in straight sets.

The Australian Open champion triumphed 7-5, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 and will face either Taylor Fritz or Frances Tiafoe in the final on Sunday.

Draper, the first British man to reach the US Open semi-finals since Andy Murray’s title win in 2012, was clearly unwell, wilting in the later stages of the match after vomiting on the court earlier.

“Jack and I know each other very well, we are great friends off the court,” said Sinner, who hit 43 winners in the match and suffered a wrist injury after a nasty fall. “It was a very physical match. He’s so tough to beat, so I’m excited to be in the final.”

In the gruelling three-hour encounter, Draper was undone by 10 double faults, 43 unforced errors, and his illness.

“In the final, it will be a very tough challenge, whoever I play,” added Sinner, noting his guaranteed match against an American opponent. “I’m happy to be in this position because if you’re in the final on Sunday, it means you’re doing an amazing job.”

World number 25 Draper entered his first Grand Slam semi-final having only been broken three times in five rounds and without losing a set. However, Sinner snapped that streak with a break for a 4-3 lead, though Draper quickly responded.

Draper was broken again on his sixth double fault in the 11th game before the Italian served it out with a love game.

In a dramatic second set, Draper vomited courtside, and Sinner took a fall while chasing a shot, hurting his left wrist in the process. Sinner won the point, but Draper held serve for 5-4.

Both players required medical attention before Sinner powered through the tiebreak to secure a two-sets-to-love lead.

A visibly exhausted Draper slowed down significantly in the third set, unable to keep pace as Sinner cruised to victory.