US Open 2024: Jannik Sinner makes history as first Italian man to reach US Open Final

Jannik Sinner, the world's top-ranked player, became the first Italian man to reach the US Open final, defeating an ill Jack Draper in straight sets on Friday. Sinner secured a spot in the championship match against either Taylor Fritz or Frances Tiafoe, showcasing a score of 7-5, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 despite facing physical challenges.

Sinner, who has previously won the Australian Open, expressed excitement about his achievement.

"Jack and I know each other very well, we are great friends off court," said Sinner. "It was a very physical match. He's so tough to beat so I'm excited to be in the final."

US Open 2024: Straight-Set Victory Over Draper

The match was strenuous, with Draper facing pressure from Sinner. Draper, who had only been broken three times and hadn't dropped a set in five rounds, committed a double fault giving Sinner an opportunity to break in the 11th game, subsequently closing the set with a love game.

"In the final, it will be a very tough challenge whoever I play," added Sinner. "I'm happy to be in that position because if you are in the final on a Sunday it means you are doing an amazing job."

During the second set, Draper vomited courtside, leading to a brief interruption. Sinner then fell and injured his left wrist while chasing a shot, momentarily raising concerns. Despite the injury, Sinner managed to win the point, though Draper held serve for a lead at 5-4. Both players received medical attention, with Sinner requiring a full timeout to address his wrist injury.

The Italian quickly bounced back, dominating the tiebreak and effectively establishing a two-set advantage. In the third set, Draper's physical exhaustion was evident, reducing him to a walking pace, which Sinner capitalized on to swiftly close out the set and the match, earning his spot in the US Open final.

This significant victory places Sinner in a crucial position as he gears up to face an American opponent in the final, eager to continue his remarkable performance in the tournament.