Jannik Sinner has reached a historic milestone for Italian tennis: the final of the US Open. In a gripping semifinal, the South Tyrolean defeated Britain’s Jack Draper in straight sets (7-5, 7-6, 6-2), securing his second career Slam final. In just over three hours of play, Sinner battled against a tough and well-prepared opponent who managed to challenge the world’s number one with aggressive play and unpredictable shots.
The match highlighted the intense rivalry and deep familiarity between the two players, who faced each other as friends but spared no effort on the court. Despite strategic advice from his coach James Trotman and a flawless tournament start without losing a set, Draper succumbed to Sinner’s experience and superior play, with the Italian raising his game at the crucial moments.
There were tense physical moments during the match: both players required the intervention of physiotherapists, with Draper struggling with stomach issues and Sinner needing his left wrist checked after a fall. Despite winning fifteen consecutive sets before facing Sinner, the Briton was ultimately undone by the pressure and mistakes, including a double fault that symbolically marked his surrender.
Sinner makes history: first Italian to win the US Open
08 Sep - 23:01 •
2' min
Sinner’s victory over Draper propels him into a historic final against Taylor Fritz, who overcame fellow American Frances Tiafoe in a five-set battle. On Sunday, the Italian will face the American in a showdown that promises excitement and drama.
With this final appearance, Sinner not only solidifies his world number one ranking but is also poised to finish the season with a lead of over 3,000 points ahead of second-placed Alexander Zverev of Germany. Meanwhile, Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz slips to third place, and Serbian Novak Djokovic falls off the podium.
Beyond the sporting prestige, reaching the US Open final secures Sinner a check for $1.8 million, with the potential to double this amount with a victory over Fritz, bringing the total prize money to $3.6 million. So far, the Italian star has earned over $24 million in career prize money, a figure that could approach $26 million by Sunday evening.
