Jannik Sinner is set to face off against Daniil Medvedev in the most anticipated match of the US Open so far, having fended off a spirited challenge from Tommy Paul to secure his place in the quarter-finals.
Following victories by Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round, Paul had the opportunity to become the third American male player to reach the last eight. However, his defeat has left two home favorites remaining as America eagerly awaits an end to a 21-year drought for a men’s singles Grand Slam champion.
Despite the No. 1 seed defeating Paul in straight sets, the scoreline doesn’t fully reflect the closely contested nature of the match. The first two sets were decided by tiebreaks, with Paul even taking the lead in the first set.
However, Sinner demonstrated his superior skill and managed to clinch both sets. Having expended all his energy in the tiebreaks only to come up short, Paul was visibly exhausted in the third set.
Sinner capitalised on this, pushing ahead to seal the match. Despite being under intense pressure, the World No. 1 secured his 20th major singles victory of the year and progressed to his ninth career Grand Slam quarter-final.
And he instantly predicted how his much-anticipated match with Medvedev will play out, predicting a “lot of rallies” and an intense contest both physically and mentally.
Sinner said: “Tough match. It’s gonna be a lot of rallies. Hopefully I’ll be ready physically.
“It’s gonna be a physical and mental match. I won in Australia. He won in Wimbledon.. both in 5 sets. Hopefully it will be a good match.
“We’ll try to do our best on court. Hopefully you guys enjoy it and we’ll see how it goes.”
“Tough match. It’s gonna be a lot of rallies. Hopefully I’ll be ready physically. It’s gonna be a physical and mental match. I won in Australia. He won in Wimbledon.. both in 5 sets. Hopefully it will be a good match. We’ll try to do our best on court. Hopefully you guys enjoy it and we’ll see how it goes.”
Sinner was down two breaks in the first set but bounced back to win in straight sets. And he was pleased with how he responded mentally to a tough start.
“Yeah for sure mentally. I didn’t start very well,” he said. “I was a double break down in the first sent I tried to stay there mentally. This was for sure one of the keys to win this match.
“I served very well in the beginning of the match. There are some ups and downs. Best of 5, it’s normal to have. Finishing my rhythm in the end of the match hopefully helps me for the next one. So let’s see.”
