In a thrilling match filled with momentum shifts, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner defeated No. 5 Daniil Medvedev 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 6-4, advancing to the US Open semifinals for the first time. The 23-year-old Italian, in pursuit of his second Grand Slam title, has now reached three major semifinals this season, becoming the first man born in the 1990s or 2000s to reach the semifinals in all four Grand Slams.

A Tough Battle for Sinner

“It was very tough,” Sinner said in a post-match interview. “We know each other quite well, so we knew it was going to be very physical. The first two sets were strange because once someone broke serve, they started to dominate.”

Sinner’s recent dominance over Medvedev continues, having won six of their last seven encounters. Their match in New York was the third major meeting between the two this season. In January, Sinner made a remarkable comeback from two sets down to defeat Medvedev in the Australian Open final. However, Medvedev got his revenge at Wimbledon, where he edged out Sinner in a five-set quarterfinal.

Medvedev’s Thoughts on Sinner

Despite the loss, Medvedev praised his opponent. “He’s one of the best players in the world, and he deserves the No. 1 ranking,” Medvedev remarked. “Playing against him is always a challenge because he reads the game so well and chooses the right shot at the perfect moment. I enjoy these matches because every point matters, and the tension is what makes it exciting.”

Sinner’s win sets up a semifinal clash with the surging Jack Draper, the No. 25 seed, who earned his spot in his first Grand Slam semifinal after defeating world No. 10 Alex de Minaur 6-3, 7-5, 6-2.

A Historic US Open Semifinal

On the opposite side of the draw, two American players, Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz, will meet in the other semifinal. The winner of that match will be the first American man to reach a Grand Slam final since Andy Roddick at Wimbledon in 2009.

Sinner’s path to the semifinals follows a season marked by resilience and consistency. He is currently the only player left in the draw with a Grand Slam title, positioning him as a favorite to go all the way at the US Open.

Sinner’s Recent Doping Case Adds Complexity

Sinner’s remarkable run at the US Open comes amid the backdrop of a recent doping case that made headlines on August 20. The news shocked the tennis world, though Sinner avoided suspension after twice testing positive for trace amounts of a banned substance. He has maintained his innocence, stating that he’s done nothing wrong.

“I have my team and the people close to me who believe in me,” Sinner shared during a press conference. “The support I’ve received from them has been invaluable, especially during this difficult time. Day by day, things have improved, and I’m just happy to be in the semifinals now.”

Upcoming Semifinal Against Jack Draper

Sinner will face Jack Draper next. The two have only met once before, with Draper winning their previous encounter on grass at Queen’s Club in London in 2021. Draper, a 22-year-old known for his powerful serve, has been in dominant form at the US Open, reaching the semifinals without dropping a single set. He’s the first British man to achieve this feat since Andy Murray won the US Open in 2012.

“We know each other very well and are good friends off the court,” Sinner said of Draper. “He’s playing incredible tennis, and he hasn’t lost a set yet, so I know it will be a tough match. I’m just happy to be in the semis and look forward to seeing who plays better on the day.”

Draper’s Journey and Murray’s Influence

Draper’s rise to the semifinals has captured attention, marking him as the first British player since Murray to make such progress at the US Open. However, Draper said he hasn’t recently spoken with Murray, who has been enjoying his retirement. “I think Andy is just enjoying his time with his family and playing a lot of golf,” Draper said. “But I know he’s always there for me if I need him.”

Draper’s quarterfinal win over de Minaur was his first in four attempts, and it marked an impressive return for the Australian, who had been recovering from a hip injury sustained at Wimbledon.

A Semifinal Full of Expectations

As Sinner prepares for his semifinal clash with Draper, the tennis world watches closely. With his recent form and the potential for another major title, Sinner’s journey at the US Open could define his career in the coming days. The Italian star remains focused, determined to add a second Grand Slam title to his already impressive resume.

Meanwhile, Draper’s dream run continues, and he hopes to make history by reaching his first-ever Grand Slam final. As both players prepare for a monumental showdown, the tennis world eagerly awaits the outcome of what promises to be an exciting semifinal.