Yannik Sinner has secured a spot in the US Open semifinals after defeating Daniil Medvedev in four sets last night, taking revenge on the Russian after being eliminated by him in the Wimbledon quarterfinals. The ongoing saga between Sinner and Medvedev has defined much of 2024, with their paths crossing in three of the four Grand Slams this season. In Australia, Sinner triumphed in a heroic five-set final, claiming his first Grand Slam title. Two months ago at Wimbledon, Medvedev won in five sets, denying the Italian a semifinal berth. Yesterday, in the third and final chapter of this gripping rivalry, Sinner dominated Medvedev with a decisive 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory.
Sinner is now the clear favorite to win the US Open, especially after the surprise eliminations of his two main rivals, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, who were knocked out before the round of 16. It has been a whirlwind year for Sinner in 2024, filled with both triumphs and setbacks. He claimed his first Grand Slam title, as well as trophies in Rotterdam, Miami, Halle, and Cincinnati, reached semifinals in Monte Carlo, Indian Wells, and Paris, and made history as the first Italian to reach the No. 1 spot in the ATP rankings. However, he also faced challenges, including withdrawing from the Italian Open and, most notably, the Paris Olympics due to injury. Adding to the pressure has been the looming doping case, which tested his mental resilience at the peak of the season.
As he prepares for his semifinal match against Jack Draper, Sinner is both excited and anxious. He knows this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and he is the favorite to advance to his second Grand Slam final of the year. However, there are concerns about his physical recovery after yesterday’s grueling match, and a lingering fear that the doping case could be reopened in the coming days. Both WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) and NADO (Italy’s National Anti-Doping Agency) have until today to appeal the ruling by the International Tennis Integrity Agency, which cleared Sinner of any wrongdoing related to a positive test for clostebol during Indian Wells. It’s a tense time for Sinner, with battles still to be fought both on and off the court.
