Sinner's test of nerves, consistency and hope

Jannik Sinner has passed his first real test at the US Open with nerves of steel and reached the quarterfinals. But the Sextner is already looking ahead again.

September 03, 2024

From: dl

The world number one defeated the American Tommy Paul with 7:6 (7:3), 7:6 (7:5), 6:1 and remained composed even in the heated evening atmosphere in New York. Paul got off to a brilliant start, but Sinner was having a hard time at the beginning. The South Tyrolean made some unusual mistakes. At times Paul won eleven points in a row and was quickly ahead 4:1. The audience cheered on their favorite with chants of "USA, USA".

The 23-year-old Sinner stayed cool and, cheered on by the singer Seal in the stands, quickly managed two re-breaks. It was a close match. In the tie-breaks of the first two sets, Australian Open winner Sinner showed his class and ultimately dominated the third set. "I didn't start well and only found my rhythm at some point in the first set. I was able to raise my level in the tie-breaks," said Sinner.

Popcorn match awaits

After the elimination of the two favorites Carlos Alcaraz from Spain and Novak Djokovic from Serbia, Sinner is the hottest contender for the title ahead of Medvedev and Alexander Zverev. The Pustertal native is under special public scrutiny following his acquittal shortly before the tournament following two positive doping tests in the spring.

Daniil Medvedev is waiting for Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals. © ANSA / CJ GUNTHER

Sinner is the only male tennis professional to make it into at least the top eight in all four Grand Slam tournaments of the year and will now face former US Open winner Daniil Medvedev from Russia. "He likes playing here. I've learned a lot from Daniil. We know each other very well. It will be a difficult match. I hope I'll be physically and mentally ready," said Sinner, who is 5:7 behind in the direct match with the Russian.

Schlagwörter: Tennis Jannik Sinner U.S. Open New York