World number one Jannik Sinner made history on Friday as he became the first Italian man to reach the US Open final after defeating an ailing Brit, Jack Draper, straight sets 7-5, 7-6(3), 6-2. Sinner will face either Taylor Fritz or Frances Tiafoe in Sunday’s final.
First British semi-finalist since Andy Murray in 2012, Draper left everything on the court amidst sickness, even vomiting on the court during the grueling three-hour match. Achingly frail, but resilient nonetheless was Draper, though undone by 10 double faults and 43 unforced errors.
Sinner, who hit 43 winners, also picked up an injury, hurting his wrist in a sickening fall in the second set. But the Italian battled through to win, needing only a brief medical timeout.
“Jack is a great friend and tough opponent, so I’m excited to be in the final,” said Sinner after the match.
Draper had reached his first Grand Slam semi-final without dropping a set, but he did not manage to maintain that momentum. The Briton struggled physically after losing the first set, and Sinner took control in the third to seal an historic victory.
Italian now one win away from a maiden Grand Slam title.
