Yannik Sinner secured his place in the US Open final by decisively defeating his close friend Jack Draper 3-0 in the semifinals yesterday afternoon in New York. This victory marks Sinner’s second Grand Slam final of the season, following his triumph at the Australian Open.
The match was more competitive, particularly in the first two sets, than the final score suggests. In the sweltering heat of Arthur Ashe Stadium, both Sinner and Draper gave their all, facing various setbacks and physical issues. Draper, in particular, struggled with the oppressive temperature, which combined with the exertion of the match, caused him to sweat profusely. During the second set, Draper had to change his sweat-soaked shoes, which created slippery patches on the court. Additionally, at 4-4 in the second set, Draper experienced stomach issues, likely from the cold drinks he had consumed during the changeovers. The iconic image of Draper vomiting on the sidelines and hastily cleaning up with a towel became a symbol of his struggle.
Sinner also faced challenges, including a concerning slip on the court that caused him to fall on his left wrist, alarming both his staff and fans. Fortunately, thanks to the swift intervention of his new physiotherapist, the issue was quickly resolved without the need for bandages. The third set was one-sided as Draper, fatigued and immediately broken by Sinner, had little chance. Sinner celebrated his well-earned spot in the final with his signature celebration. The final, set to be played on Sunday, will be the first “away” match for Sinner, who has enjoyed strong support throughout the tournament.
