Jannik Sinner defeated Daniil Medvedev to reach his first US Open semi-final on Wednesday. The world number one secured a four-set victory over the 2021 champion, winning 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 6-4. Sinner, aiming for his second major title of the season after the Australian Open, will face Britain’s Jack Draper, ranked 25th, for a spot in the final.
At 23, Sinner is the only top-10 player in the semi-finals, with number 12 Taylor Fritz set to face 20th-ranked Frances Tiafoe in the other last-four match on Friday. Earlier this year, Sinner beat Medvedev in the Australian Open final before losing him in a five-setter at Wimbledon.
“It was very tough, I knew it would be very physical,” Sinner said. “The first two sets were strange; whoever got the break started to roll.” Sinner also expressed excitement about facing Draper, calling him a good friend and praising his impressive tournament performance.
Sinner dominated the first set with two breaks, taking advantage of Medvedev’s 15 unforced errors compared to his six. Medvedev responded with a strong second set, breaking twice to level the match.
Sinner stormed through the third set in just 30 minutes in a back-and-forth contest. Despite Medvedev earning two break points in the fourth set, Sinner saved both and secured a decisive break at 4-3 to seal the victory.
Medvedev saved 10 of 15 break points but was undone by 57 unforced errors, ending his bid for a 10th Grand Slam semi-final appearance.
