Jannik Sinner, the top seed, came out victorious after a tough match against Tommy Paul, defeating him 7-6(3) 7-6(5) 6-1 to advance to the quarterfinals of the US Open on Monday.
Sinner, who served 10 aces at a lively Arthur Ashe Stadium, is the sole player to make it to the quarterfinals in all four Grand Slam tournaments this year.
He said that he started the match strong and acknowledged that there were some fluctuations throughout.
Hopefully, discovering my groove towards the end of the game will benefit me in the upcoming match.
Paul, supported by a loud home crowd, showcased flashes of brilliance by saving 10 out of 14 break points against him, but Sinner’s precise performance dashed his dreams of breaking a 21-year drought for American men in Grand Slam tournaments.
“We still have Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz, two Americans, in the competition. However, Paul mentioned that it has never felt this wide open before.” “I am confident that one of us will be able to accomplish it eventually.”
Paul gave hope to Americans by winning 11 points in a row to lead 4-1 in the first set, but Sinner promptly fought back and capitalized on two breakpoint opportunities with impressive forehand winners in the sixth and eighth games.
He missed the opportunity to win the set in the 10th game, failing to convert a breakpoint. During a tense tiebreak, the crowd began chanting “USA!” as the Italian player pressured Paul into making a backhand error on set point.
The sinner missed a crucial opportunity in the second set, causing the umpire to repeatedly calm the crowd during the tiebreak, as the Italian dominated from the baseline.
In the second game of the third set, Paul managed to withstand a 21-shot rally to avoid break point. However, he made a double fault which allowed Sinner to have another opportunity, and the top-ranked player took advantage by hitting a forehand winner past Paul.
After Paul hit a shot long on match point, Sinner pumped his fist with satisfaction.
You must acknowledge that he is excelling in his movement and can vary his gameplay. Sinner expressed his joy for today’s victory.
Next, he will face off against current 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev in a rematch of their Australian Open final earlier this year, where the Italian emerged victorious in an intense five-set match.
Challenging game. Sinner mentioned that with many rallies planned, he hopes to be physically prepared.